Navigating the Perfect Storm of Ageism, Mentalism, and Ableism: A Prevention Model

Abstract

Many of society's systemic implicit biases against older persons predate COVID-19. A perfect storm of these biases now rages against older persons much more explicitly and visibly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They comprise of blends of discrimination based on age (“ageism”), multiplied by the prejudice against persons with mental symptoms (mentalism), and by notions against persons with disabilities (ableism). The collective result of this tragedy has caused a devastating impact on older persons’ lives and flagrant violation of their human rights. We explore the evidence to better understand the drivers of these biases and ways to mitigate their impact. We also review strategies to alleviate the effects of ageism, mentalism, and ableism using a prevention model.

Intersections of ageism toward older adults and other isms during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Additional articles reviewing the intersection between ageism and ableism focused on the disadvantages faced by older adults with dementia (Chigangaidze & Chinyenze, 2021 ; D'Cruz & Banerjee, 2020b ; Lee & Miller, 2020 ; Rabheru & Gillis, 2021 ). These papers bring attention to important concerns including that older adults with dementia experience reduced health care access and quality of care (Chigangaidze & Chinyenze, 2021 .…”

Ageism, Mentalism, and Ableism Shape Telehealth Policy

“…1 Although implicit systemic biases against older adults predate COVID-19, the pandemic brought into focus the combined effects of prejudice and discrimination based on age (ageism), mental symptoms (mentalism), and differences in physical ability (ableism). 2 …”

“…The assumption that older adults can or should utilize information technology for access to healthcare with the same facility as younger age cohorts represents a trifecta of ageism, mentalism and ableism. 2 , 3 , 4 Research indicates that 93% of adults over the age of 70, and 98% of adults over the age of 80 do not use information technology, including video conferencing, to communicate with healthcare providers. 3 An average of 95.5% of Medicare beneficiaries over age 70 rely solely on telephonic (audio-only) contact for telehealth with healthcare providers.…”

“…The assumption that all older adults can or should utilize in-person services might reflect the implicit biases of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which have been described as violations of human rights. 2 Although alternative healthcare delivery models including house calls by behavioral health specialists have demonstrated effectiveness, 10 Medicare legislation like the Consolidated Appropriations Act continues to trend back toward default policies requiring in-office visits. 9 This default position is based on implicit ageism, mentalism and ableism.…”

Perspective: Social Determinants of Mental Health for the New Decade of Healthy Aging

“…org/article/ageism-the-brain-strikes-back). In the October 2021 special issue of this journal, Rabheru and Gillis (2021) 6 show how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a perfect storm combining ageism with prejudice against persons with mental symptoms (mentalism) and bias toward persons with disabilities (ableism).…”