The Impact of Gendered Ageism and Related Intersectional Inequalities on the Health and Well-being of Older Women

Authors

https://doi.org/10.17583/rasp.15017

Keywords:


Downloads

Type:

Text

Abstract

Gendered ageism contributes to invisibility and homogenization of older women, harming their health, quality of life and limiting their social participation. Health issues related to aging have received increasing attention in the scientific literature. However, studies on aging that include a gender dimension or ethnic aspects remain scarce. This article presents the results of a systematic review on older women’s health and wellbeing, gender inequalities, age discrimination experienced by older women and their intersections with other forms of discrimination. Between January and February 2023, we conducted a literature review using PRISMA in the Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE and SciELO Citation Index. We selected 43 empirical studies from different countries focusing on women over 65 years. The findings show the incidence of discrimination and inequality in health care experienced by older women, ageist attitudes among health care providers and other professionals, experiences of abuse and gender-based violence among older women. Additionally, the study examines the impact of ageism and other forms of discrimination on the health of LGBTQ+ older people, ethnic minorities, older women with disabilities, and other non-traditional groups.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Agunbiade, O. M. (2019). Explanations around physical abuse, neglect and preventive strategies among older Yoruba people (60+) in urban Ibadan Southwest Nigeria: A qualitative study. Heliyon, 5(11), e02888. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02888

Google Scholar Crossref

Anand A., Syamala T.S., Sk MK, Bhatt N. (2020). Understanding Frailty, Functional Health and Disability among Older Persons in India: A Decomposition Analysis of Gender and Place of Resident. Journal of Research in Health Sciences, 20(3). e00484. PMID: 33169716; PMCID: PMC7585762. https://doi.org/10.34172/jrhs.2020.20

Google Scholar Crossref

Ayalon, L. (2018). Perceived age discrimination: A precipitator or a consequence of depressive symptoms? The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 73(5), 860-869. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbw101

Google Scholar Crossref

Banerjee, D., & Rao, T. S. S. (2021). “The Graying Minority”: Lived Experiences and Psychosocial Challenges of Older Transgender Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India, A Qualitative Exploration. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.604472

Google Scholar Crossref

Barrett, A. E., & Michael, C. (2022). Spotlight on Age: An Overlooked Construct in Medical Sociology. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 63(2), 177–190. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221465221077221

Google Scholar Crossref

Ben-Harush A., Shiovitz-Ezra S., Doron I, Alon S., Leibovitz A., Golander H., Haron Y., & Ayalon L. (2017) Ageism among physicians, nurses, and social workers: findings from a qualitative study. European journal of ageing, 14(1), 39-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-016-0389-9.

Google Scholar Crossref

Bethany P., Grace I. L., Nicole L. (2022). It’s Complicated: Minority Stress, Social Support, In-Group Social Contact, and Sexual Minority Older Adults’ Well-Being. The Gerontologist, 63(2), 350–360. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac092

Google Scholar Crossref

Boggs, J. M.; Dickman Portz, J.; King, D. K.; Wright, L. A.; Helander, K.; Retrum, J. H.; Gozansky, W. S. (2016). Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation. Journal of Homosexuality, 64(11), 1539-1560. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2016.1247539

Google Scholar Crossref

Boseman, G., (2009). When I come to the end of my journey: correlates of morale in the elderly african-american female. In Wesley, Y. (Ed.), Black Womens Health: Challenges and Opportunities (pp: 97-114). Nova Science Publishers.

Google Scholar Crossref

Butler, S. (2017). Older lesbians receiving home care: formal and informal dimensions of caregiving, Journal of Women & Aging, 30(2), 91-110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2017.1290977

Google Scholar Crossref

Clarke, L., Bennett, E., & Korotchenko, A. (2014). Negotiating Vulnerabilities: How Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions Interact with Physicians. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 33(1), 26-37. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980813000597

Google Scholar Crossref

David, N.; Duvdevani, I.; Doron, I. (2015). Older Women with Intellectual Disability and the Meaning of Aging. Journal of Women & Aging, 27(3), 216–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2014.933608

Google Scholar Crossref

Di Rosa, M., Chiatti, C., Rimland, J. M., Capasso, M., Scandali, V. M., Prospero, E., Corsonello, A. & Lattanzio, F. (2018). Ageism and surgical treatment of breast cancer in Italian hospitals. Aging clinical and experimental research, 30, 139-144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0757-0

Google Scholar Crossref

Fernández-Mayoralas, G., Schettini, R., Sánchez-Román, M., Rojo-Pérez, F., Agulló, M. S., & João Forjaz, M. (2018). El papel del género en el buen envejecer. Una revisión sistemática desde la perspectiva científica. Revista Prisma Social, (21), 149–176. https://revistaprismasocial.es/article/view/2422

Google Scholar Crossref

Griebling, T.L. (2011). Urinary incontinence: Incontinence guidelines—is lack of adherence a form of ageism?. Nature Reviews Urology, 8(12), 655-657. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2011.177

Google Scholar Crossref

Gueta, K. (2020). Exploring the promise of intersectionality for promoting justice-involved women's health research and policy. Health & justice, 8(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-020-00120-8

Google Scholar Crossref

Heaphy, B., Yip, A., & Thompson, D. (2004). Ageing in a non-heterosexual context. Ageing & Society, 24(6), 881-902. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X03001600

Google Scholar Crossref

HelpAge Spain (2021). Mujeres mayores: el impacto del machismo y el edadismo e su vida y en sus derechos humanos. Colección Construyendo una sociedad inclusiva y amigable con las personas mayores desde los derechos.

Google Scholar Crossref

HelpAge International (2023). Older women’s lived experiences of gendered ageism. https://www.helpage.org/download/6400e34c1337a/

Google Scholar Crossref

Johnson Shen, M.; Freeman, R.; Karpiak, S.; Brennan-Ing, M.; Seidel, L.; Siegler, E. L. (2018). The Intersectionality of Stigmas among Key Populations of Older Adults Affected by HIV: a Thematic Analysis. Clinical Gerontologist, 42(2), 137–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2018.1456500

Google Scholar Crossref

Kane, M. N. (2008) How are Sexual Behaviors of Older Women and Older Men Perceived by Human Service Students?, Social Work Education, 27(7), 723-743. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615470701634352

Google Scholar Crossref

Kang, Y., & Crogan, N. L. (2008). Social and cultural construction of urinary incontinence among Korean American elderly women. Geriatric Nursing, 29(2), 105-111. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610211001025

Google Scholar Crossref

Kinch J.L., & Jakubec S. (2004). Out of the multiple margins: older women managing their health care. The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieres, 36(4), 90-108. PMID: 15739939.

Google Scholar Crossref

Krekula, C., Nikander, P., Wilińska, M. (2018). Multiple Marginalizations Based on Age: Gendered Ageism and Beyond. In: Ayalon, L., Tesch-Römer, C. (eds) Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73820-8_3

Google Scholar Crossref

Laganá, L.; Balian, O. A.; Nakhla, M. Z.; Zizumbo, J.; Greenberg, S. (2021). A preliminary model of health regarding sexual and ethnic minority older adults. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 23(3), 333–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2019.1710566

Google Scholar Crossref

Lee, H. S., & Kim, C. (2016). Structural Equation Modeling to Assess Discrimination, Stress, Social Support, and Depression among the Elderly Women in South Korea. Asian Nursing Research, 10(3), 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2016.06.003

Google Scholar Crossref

López-Hernández, L.; Martínez-Arnau, F.M.; Castellano-Rioja, E.; Botella-Navas, M.; Pérez-Ros, P. (2021). Factors Affecting Attitudes towards Older People in Undergraduate Nursing Students. Healthcare, 9(9), 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091231

Google Scholar Crossref

Lu P., Kong D., Shelley M., Davitt J.K. (2022). Intersectional Discrimination Attributions and Health Outcomes Among American Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 95(3), 267-285. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150211066560

Google Scholar Crossref

Lusk, B. (1999). Patients' Images in Nursing Magazine Advertisements. Advances in Nursing Science 21(3), 66-75. https://doi.org/10.1097/00012272-199903000-00008

Google Scholar Crossref

Lyons A., Alba B., Waling A., Minichiello V., Hughes M., Barrett C., Fredriksen-Goldsen K., Savage T. & Edmonds, S. (2022) Assessing the combined effect of ageism and sexuality-related stigma on the mental health and well-being of older lesbian and gay adults, Aging & Mental Health, 26(7), 1460-1469. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.1978927

Google Scholar Crossref

MacDonald, C.D. & Butler, L. (2007). Silent no more: elderly women's stories of living with urinary incontinence in long-term care. J Gerontol Nurs, 33(1), 14-20. PMID: 17305265. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20070101-05

Google Scholar Crossref

Macia E., Lucciani-Chapuis N., Boëtsch G. (2007). Stéréotypes liés à l’âge, estime de soi et santé perçue. Sciences sociales et santé, 25(3), 79-106. https://doi.org/10.3406/sosan.2007.2085

Google Scholar Crossref

Macrae, H. (2018). ‘My opinion is that doctors prefer younger people’: Older women, physicians and ageism. Ageing & Society, 38(2), 240-266. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X16001021

Google Scholar Crossref

Magalhães M.J., Rodríguez Castro Y, Ruido PA, Braga Lopez RD. (2016) Elderly victims of gender violence in Portugal: Invisible and not heard? Health Care Women International, 37(12), 1304-1319. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2016.1179311

Google Scholar Crossref

Mandelblatt J.S., Kerner J.F., Hadley J., Hwang Y.T., Eggert L., Johnson L.E., Gold K.; OPTIONS (Outcomes and Preferences for Treatment in Older Women Nationwide Study). (2002). Variations in breast carcinoma treatment in older medicare beneficiaries: is it black or white. Cancer, 95(7), 1401-14. PMID: 12237908. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.10825

Google Scholar Crossref

Merodio, G. (2023-2024). EDA-MUJER. Participación Democrática de Mujeres Mayores para Superar el Edadismo. Ref. 38-3-ID22. Instituto de las Mujeres, Convocatoria de Investigaciones Feministas, de Género y sobre Mujeres 2022 del Ministerio de Igualdad. https://blogs.uned.es/edamujer/

Google Scholar Crossref

Merodio, G., Ramis-Salas, M., Valero, D., & Aubert, A. (2020). How Much Is One Life Worth? The Right to Equity Healthcare for Improving Older Patients’ Health Infected by COVID-19. Sustainability, 12(17), 6848; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176848

Google Scholar Crossref

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J. and Altman, D.G. (2009). The PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA Statement, PLoS Med, 6(7), e1000097, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097

Google Scholar Crossref

Naldan, M. E., Kara, D., Soyalp, C., & Gürol, A (2018) Yoğun bakım ünitelerinde çalışan sağlık personelinin yaşlılığa ilişkin ayrımcı tutumlarının değerlendirilmesi. Bakırköy Tıp Dergisi, 14(1), 8-16. https://doi.org/10.5350/BTDMJB.20161001124434

Google Scholar Crossref

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (2021). Human rights of older women: the intersection between ageing and gender. https://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?OpenAgent&DS=A/76/157&Lang=E

Google Scholar Crossref

Officer A, Thiyagarajan JA, Schneiders ML, Nash P, de la Fuente-Núñez V. (2020). Ageism, Healthy Life Expectancy and Population Ageing: How Are They Related? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(9), 3159. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093159

Google Scholar Crossref

Oral B., Ener D., Günay O., & Çetinkaya F. (2021). Attitudes of Medical Faculty Students Toward Ageism: A CrossSectional Study From Kayseri. Erciyes Medical Journal, 43(4), 343–9. https://doi.org/10.14744/etd.2020.00878

Google Scholar Crossref

Perrig-Chiello, P. (2007). Altert Eva anders?. Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin, 32(S 2), 163–167. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-970866

Google Scholar Crossref

Podhorecka M, Husejko J, Wo´zniewicz A, Pyszora A & K¸edziora-Kornatowska K (2022a). Who will treat older patients? Should medical education focus more on activities aimed at displaying positive attitudes toward older people? The prevalence of ageism among students of medical and health sciences. Front. Public Health, 10, 1032487. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1032487

Google Scholar Crossref

Podhorecka, M., Pyszora, A., Woźniewicz, A., Husejko, J., & Kędziora-Kornatowska, K. (2021). Health and protective measures for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the opinion of Polish society. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9230. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179230

Google Scholar Crossref

Podhorecka, M., Pyszora, A., Woźniewicz, A., Husejko, J., & Kędziora-Kornatowska, K. (2022b). Empathy as a Factor Conditioning Attitudes towards the Elderly among Physiotherapists—Results from Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 3994. MDPI AG. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073994

Google Scholar Crossref

Pritchard, K. (2007). Have we been guilty of ageism in the primary treatment of breast cancer? British Journal of Cancer, 96, 1011–1012. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6603697

Google Scholar Crossref

Rochon, E. R., Krowka, M. J., Bartolome, S., Heresi, G. A., Bull, T., Roberts, K., Hemnes, A., Forde, K. A., Krok, K. L., Patel, M., Lin, G., McNeil, M., Al-Naamani, N., Roman, B. L., Yu, P. B., Fallon, M. B., Gladwin, M. T., & Kawut, S. M. (2020). BMP9/10 in Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 201(12), 1575–1578. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201912-2514LE

Google Scholar Crossref

Rodriguez-Rodriguez, V.; Rojo-Perez, F.; Perez de Arenaza Escribano, C.; Molina-Martínez, M.-Á.; Fernandez-Mayoralas, G.; Sánchez-González, D.; Rojo-Abuin, J.-M.; Rodríguez-Blázquez, C.; Forjaz, M.J.; Martín García, S. (2022). The Impact of COVID-19 on Nursing Homes: Study Design and Population Description. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 16629. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416629

Google Scholar Crossref

Rogers, S.E., Thrasher, A.D., Miao, Y. et al. (2015). Discrimination in Healthcare Settings is Associated with Disability in Older Adults: Health and Retirement Study, 2008–2012. J. GEN INTERN MED 30, 1413–1420. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-015-3233-6

Google Scholar Crossref

Roy, K. & Chaudhuri, A. (2008) Influence of socioeconomic status, wealth and financial empowerment on gender differences in health and healthcare utilization in later life: evidence from India. Soc Sci Med., 66(9), 1951-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.01.015

Google Scholar Crossref

Settels, J. & Leist, A. K. (2022). The Role of Country-Level Availability and Generosity of Healthcare Services, and Old-Age Ageism for Missed Healthcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures in Europe. Journal of aging and health, 34(6-8), 1016–1036. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643221087097

Google Scholar Crossref

Shippee, T. P., Wilkinson, L. R., Schafer, M. H. & Shippee, N. D. (2019). Long-Term Effects of Age Discrimination on Mental Health: The Role of Perceived Financial Strain. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 74(4), 664–674. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbx017

Google Scholar Crossref

Tellado, I., Girbés-Peco, S., Joanpere-Foraster, M. & Burgués-Freitas, A. (2024). Digital Literacy of Older Women with Smartphones: a Dialogic Approach to Overcoming Barriers. Research on Ageing and Social Policy,12 (1), pp. 44-61 http://dx.doi.org/10.17583/rasp.13864

Google Scholar Crossref

UN DESA & UN Women (2022). Advocacy Brief Older Women: Inequality at the Intersection of Age and Gender. https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/find-knowledge/resources/publications/detail/inequality-at-the-intersection-of-age-and-gender

Google Scholar Crossref

UNECE (2023). Policy Brief on Ageing: Older Persons in Vulnerable Situations. https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/find-knowledge/resources/publications/detail/older-persons-in-vulnerable-situations---unece-policy-brief-on-ageing-no.-28

Google Scholar Crossref

Vitale C., Rosano, G. & Fini, M. (2016). Are elderly and women under-represented in cardiovascular clinical trials? Implication for treatment. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift, 128, 433-438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-016-1082-x

Google Scholar Crossref

Walsh, C. A.; Ploeg, J.; Lohfeld, L.; Horne, J.; MacMillan, H. & Lai, D. (2007). Violence Across the Lifespan: Interconnections Among Forms of Abuse as Described by Marginalized Canadian Elders and their Care-givers. British Journal of Social Work, 37(3), 491–514. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcm022

Google Scholar Crossref

Walsh, C. A.; Olson, J. L.; Ploeg, J.; Lohfeld, L. & MacMillan, H. L. (2010). Elder Abuse and Oppression: Voices of Marginalized Elders. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 23(1), 17-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2011.534705

Google Scholar Crossref

WHO (2022). Global report on ageism. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/340208/9789240016866-eng.pdf?sequence=1

Google Scholar Crossref

Yechezkel, R. & Ayalon, L. (2013). Social workers’ attitudes towards intimate partner abuse in younger vs. older women. Journal of family violence, 28, 381-391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-013-9506-0

Google Scholar Crossref

Ziganshina, L. E., Yudina, E. V., Talipova, L. I., Sharafutdinova, G. N. & Khairullin, R. N. (2020). Smart and Age-Friendly Cities in Russia: An Exploratory Study of Attitudes, Perceptions, Quality of Life and Health Information Needs. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(24), 9212. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249212

Google Scholar Crossref

Zingmark, M., Ankre, R. & Wall-Reinius, S. (2021). Promoting outdoor recreation among older adults in Sweden – a theoretical and empirical foundation for the development of an intervention. Archives of Public Health, 79, 232. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00762-6

Google Scholar Crossref

Downloads

Published

2024-07-30

Almetric

Dimensions

How to Cite

Merodio, G., Martínez Ortiz de Zárate, A., Zhu, . F., & Morentin-Encina, J. (2024). The Impact of Gendered Ageism and Related Intersectional Inequalities on the Health and Well-being of Older Women. Research on Ageing and Social Policy, 12(2), 146–165. https://doi.org/10.17583/rasp.15017

Issue

Section

Articles