Ageism and the abuse of older people in health and social care.

Ageing is a natural process and yet ageism, ageist practice and abuse of older people occur among not only the general public but also in health and social care settings. Recent media reports have highlighted delays in meeting the needs of older people, physical and psychological abuse and that decisions are being made about whether or not to resuscitate an older patient without consultation with the patient and his/her family (e.g. British Journal of Nursing, 2000). This article looks at ageism and the abuse of older people and discusses what can be done to achieve quality care for older people while dealing with obstacles such as poor collaboration between agencies, a lack of support for carers and the belief that the needs of older people are less important than those of the young.