Ageism in the context of healthcare in Canada

Abstract

Ageism is prevalent in Canadian healthcare settings. On average, Canadian seniors spend less time talking to their healthcare professionals (HCPs) than any other age group. However, even when seniors are allowed to see a HCP, they are subjected to discrimination based on age. This can lead to blunders in care such as undertreatment and/or overtreatment, misinterpretation of cognitive impairment as functional impairment, and ineffective communication that is, ultimately, patronizing. Combating ageism will require implementing a strategy that entails training HCPs, revising institutional procedures, and addressing ageist attitudes amongst care providers and elderly patients.