Roy O
Can Nurse. 1996 Apr;92(4):42-4.
Although aging is a developmental stage, bias against seniors is still pervasive. This phenomenon is not new; history has recorded a devaluing of the elderly. Perceptions of old age and aging also affect the delivery of health care and nursing services. A nurse's pessimistic viewpoint can translate into a loss of dignity, identity and decision-making power for seniors. It is essential that nurses use experiential and scientific knowledge to promote a better understanding of the aging process as part of normal development. These two types of knowledge will enable them to understand the process in its entirety and to grasp the true meaning of being old. Chronological age is not the only clue to biological aging. There is no unique model. Aging is a combination of various profiles of complex relationships between biological, psychological and social variables. A better knowledge of the normal aging process will encourage nurses to have a realistic and positive view, to facilitate elders' adjustment, and help them to maintain a better quality of life.
尽管衰老属于一个发育阶段，但对老年人的偏见仍然普遍存在。这种现象并不新鲜；历史上就有对老年人贬低的记载。对老年和衰老的认知也会影响医疗保健和护理服务的提供。护士的悲观观点可能会导致老年人尊严、身份和决策权的丧失。护士必须运用经验知识和科学知识，来促进对作为正常发育一部分的衰老过程有更好的理解。这两类知识将使他们能够全面理解这一过程，并领会老年的真正含义。按时间顺序计算的年龄并非生物衰老的唯一线索。不存在单一的模式。衰老是生物、心理和社会变量之间各种复杂关系的综合体现。更好地了解正常衰老过程将促使护士持有现实且积极的观点，以促进老年人的适应，并帮助他们维持更好的生活质量。
