Электронный научный журнал

Ageism as a social phenomenon was singled out by Robert Butler, American psychologist, director of the US National Institute on Aging, in 1969. At the same time, the first and most famous definition of this phenomenon in the modern world was given. "Ageism is an attitude that reflects the deeply hidden anxiety of some young and middle-aged people, their personal disgust and feelings of dislike for aging people, illness, disability, their fear of helplessness, uselessness and death." Later, Robert Butler defined ageism as "the process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because of their age." Based on the very definition of ageism, it can be assumed that such a social phenomenon of oppression and discrimination can be a stress factor in the lives of people, both elderly and young. In turn, repeated exposure to chronic stress can increase the risk of chronic disease. In the literature we studied, there is a link between chronic stress associated with ageism and the occurrence of chronic diseases and other adverse health effects. In addition, data are available on the economic costs of health care for age-related health conditions. There is also evidence of the detrimental effect of ageism on a person's health, regardless of his age. The versatility of ageism reflects social, gerontological, medical, and psychological problems. But unlike other forms of discrimination, racism and sexism, which are closely associated with adverse health outcomes, ageism has been little studied in this particular area of public health.