Ageism in a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Reflections from the Research Field

Physical health problems, views on ageing, and emotional distress among older Chinese population: a moderated mediation model

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the mediation effect of negative views on ageing (VoA) between physical health problems and emotional distress, and the moderation effect of urban/rural residence ('hukou').

METHODS

We adopted a sample of 936 older Chinese people aged 60 and above from the China General Social Survey (CGSS). A structural equation model (SEM) approach was adopted to test the measurement model of latent variables and the structural model examining the hypothesized pathway. The bootstrapping bias-corrected approach (5000 bootstrap samples) was adopted.

RESULTS

The SEM shows that negative VoA mediates physical health problems and emotional distress (β = 0.041, B = 0.063, 95% CI [0.029, 0.102], p = 0.001). The relationship between negative VoA and emotional distress is more pronounced among urban than rural older residents (β = 0.181, B = 0.168, 95% CI [0.004, 0.377], p = 0.076), which may suggest that being dependent on others is less desirable among urban older people.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of having positive VoA, especially for urban older residents. More studies on the formation and impacts of older people's expectations of their own ageing are warranted.

Rapid review to inform the selection of a set of brief set of universal indicators for use in large-scale cross-national ageism research

OBJECTIVES

Ageism occurs across the world, with negative consequences for individuals and societies. In 2016, WHO received a mandate from its Member States to lead the global campaign to combat ageism. To monitor, evaluate, and build evidence for reducing ageism, the availability of a brief, reliable and valid set of indicators of ageism experiences that can be used globally is essential.

METHOD

Building on previous reviews, the current review examines existing measures of ageism with a specific focus on suitability for meeting this need. Given the urgent need for indicators in the context of the global campaign to combat ageism, a rapid review methodology was adopted.

RESULTS

Results suggested that no measure met all desired criteria; however, the WHO ageism experiences scale was the most promising of available measures due to its focus on ageism as a multi-dimensional construct encompassing stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination and self-directed, interpersonal, and institutional elements and the explicit consideration of cross-cultural universality in its development. Other promising measures included ESS Round 4 items along with its CIS and VQ variants, the Everyday Ageism Scale, the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ), and the Ageism Survey.

CONCLUSION

Further cross-setting validation of this scale is recommended.

Sex and gender in health research: intersectionality matters

Research policies aiming to integrate sex and gender in scientific studies are receiving increased attention in academia. Incorporating these policies into health research is essential for improving targeted and equitable healthcare outcomes, by considering both disparities and similarities between individuals relating to sex and gender. Although these efforts are both urgent and critical, only an intersectional approach, which considers broad and multidimensional aspects of an individual's identity, can provide a complete understanding of the factors that impact health. In this commentary, we emphasize that it is crucial to examine how sex and gender intersect with factors such as culture, ethnicity, minority status, and socioeconomic conditions to influence health outcomes. To approach health equity, we must consider disparities linked to both biological and environmental factors, in order to facilitate evidence-based health interventions with tangible impact.

The Conceptual and Methodological Characteristics of Ageism During COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Printed and social media, as well as professional and scholarly platforms, have extensively discussed the proliferation of ageism during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, no study has systematically examined the body of knowledge on the topic. Framed around the characteristics of ageism in general, the aim of this review was to identify and characterize the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of the global, peer-reviewed, and empirical literature on ageism during COVID-19.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, using PubMed, CINAHL, AgeLine, and PsycINFO. Quantitative and/or qualitative, English-language, and peer-reviewed articles were included. Data were tabulated and synthesized.

RESULTS

Thirty six articles examining ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic met inclusion criteria. Most were quantitative (64%) and cross-sectional (81%). The level, correlates, and consequences of ageism during the pandemic were similar to the ones reported before it. Studies about ageism during COVID-19 had similar conceptualization and measurement problems to those before the pandemic.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Empirical studies did not find ageism during COVID-19 to be a unique phenomenon, as suggested by the media. More theoretically sound and methodologically rigorous studies, using longitudinal designs and validated unique measures are needed to examine this unique phenomenon.

Ageism from a cross-cultural perspective: results from a national survey of Israelis over the age of 50

OBJECTIVES

We examined differences across three groups in Israel to test the double jeopardy versus the intersection escape hypotheses-which evaluate whether being older and belonging to an underrepresented group serves as a double burden, exposing older minorities to higher levels of perceived ageism or on the contrary, older age serves as a protective factor, especially for underrepresented groups.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, nationally representative sample, consisting of three groups: Veteran Israelis, Israeli Arabs and immigrants from the Former Soviet Union. The latter two groups represent underrepresented (minority) populations in Israel.

SETTING

Community-dwelling Israelis over the age of 50.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample was composed of 1570 participants.

MEASUREMENT

To examine the double jeopardy versus the intersectional escape hypothesis, self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and perceived age-based discrimination in the healthcare system were examined as outcome variables.

RESULTS

Among Israeli Arabs, being older was related to better SPA, whereas among the immigrants being older was related to worse SPA. As immigrants became older, they were more likely to report ageist experiences. Israeli Arabs reported higher levels of ageist experiences, regardless of their age.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings point to certain groups that require education about ageism and the aging processes and might require further protection from the experiences of ageism. The findings also point to the relevance of different theoretical paradigms that advocate for the consideration of culture and group membership in the understanding of the experiences of ageism.

Psychosocial predictors of young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan: comparison of four models

To create environments conducive to the wellbeing of workers, especially older workers, it is important to gain insight into ageism among young workers as a distinct segment in the workplace. However, this ageism remains unclear. This study explored the psychosocial predictors of discrimination against older Japanese workers by their younger male counterparts. Four models – Intergroup Contact Theory (ICT), Knowledge–Attitude–Behaviour Model (KABM), Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Frustration–Aggression Theory (FAT) – formed the basis of the study. All the models included positive and negative dimensions of stereotypes as mediators between predictors and discrimination. Data from 874 participants were obtained through a voluntary web survey for employees aged 25–39 years who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. A scale describing interactions with older workers (supportive, uncomfortable and avoidance), Facts on Ageing quiz, fears of being an older worker and a job dissatisfaction survey were employed to examine the hypotheses based on the above theories. The results supported the hypotheses based on ICT and FAT but not KABM. Higher supportive contacts were significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by a higher positive and lower negative dimension of stereotypes. Contacts characterised by higher discomfort were significantly related to higher discrimination mediated by a lower positive and higher negative dimension of stereotypes. Higher job dissatisfaction was related to higher discrimination mediated by lower positive stereotypes. Interestingly, higher fear of being an older worker was significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by higher positive stereotypes, contrary to the TMT-based hypotheses. Thus, ICT and FAT regarding ageism can explain young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan, which differs culturally from Western countries. Furthermore, the results of the study suggest that boosting the quality of interactions as well as reducing bad interactions with older workers contribute to lower discrimination.

Translation and preliminary validation of the Serbian version of an ageism scale for dental students (ASDS-Serb)

AIMS

The ageist attitudes among dental clinicians may result in inadequate treatment planning and reduce quality of life for older adults. This study aimed at performing a preliminary validation of an ageism scale for dental students (ASDS) in Serbia (ASDS-Serb).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 27-item ASDS was translated from English into Serbian and completed by 129 dental students. Principal component analysis (PCA), Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity were estimated. PCA produced a 17-item scale distributed into five factors that explain 64.24% of the total variance. All items showed high to moderate reliability (0.50-0.83). CFA indicates an acceptable model fit with significant standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.14-0.99. The first factor dealt with negative views of older adults' life and dental treatment, the second factor related to ethical values about older people, the third factor compared younger and older adults in dental care and the fourth factor related to difficulties in medical history taking. The fifth factor related to perceptions of oral health and treatment of older adults. Discriminant validity revealed significant differences related to the semester of studies, gender and having older people in the family.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary validation of the ASDS-Serb resulted in a 17-item scale distributed into the five factors with acceptable validity and reliability.

Associations of Ageism and Health: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Observational Studies

This systematic review synthesizes observational studies on the relationship between ageism and health. We searched 10 electronic databases and included 67 articles. The operationalization of ageism in these studies can be classified into three constructs: age stereotype, self-perceptions of aging, and age discrimination. Most ageism measures were used within a single study, and many lacked information about psychometric properties. Seven health domains—disease, mortality, physical/functional health, mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and health behavior—have been used as outcomes. Evidence supports a significant association between ageism and health, particularly between self-perceptions of aging and health. Nine studies report moderators, which helps to identify those more vulnerable to negative effects of ageism and inform the development of interventions. The review suggests that the literature has examined limited dimensions of ageism, and that developing valid and reliable instruments for ageism-related concepts is a priority.