Why do you write off older adults too soon? Yes, you. Why do we all do it? It’s easy to dismiss an elderly person as "out of touch" or "past their prime." Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes when an older coworker struggled with technology or sighed in frustration when a senior driver moved too slowly. These small moments of judgment reveal a much larger, pervasive problem—ageism.
But what happens when ageism intersects with something as devastating as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia? What happens when our quiet biases toward aging become a crushing barrier for those who need our empathy the most? What do you see? The burden? or the Person?
The Overlap of Ageism and Dementia Stigma Ageism—prejudice against individuals based on their age—often walks hand-in-hand with the stigma surrounding dementia. When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they may not only face the loss of memory and cognitive abilities but also an unwarranted loss of dignity and respect. The world can become a place of low expectations, where assumptions about their limitations overshadow their remaining abilities.
This can be devastating for caregivers, too. When society undervalues the lives of older adults, it often undervalues the work of those who care for them. Caregivers may feel isolated, unsupported, and dismissed, which only adds to the emotional toll of their role.
How Ageism Shows Up in Dementia Care
· Healthcare Bias: Older adults often face less aggressive treatment plans or are excluded from clinical trials simply because of their age.
· Media Representation: Older adults with dementia are frequently portrayed as burdens, rarely as individuals with rich histories and ongoing potential.
· Everyday Interactions: From talking over an older adult to ignoring their opinions, ageism can diminish their sense of agency.
Why It Matters When society writes off older adults too soon, we miss out on their wisdom, stories, and contributions. For those with dementia, being seen and heard can improve quality of life, reduce feelings of isolation, and even slow cognitive decline. Research shows that engaging activities, meaningful social interactions, and environments that honor the individual can lead to better outcomes.
Changing the Narrative It starts with small shifts in our thinking and language. Instead of seeing a person with dementia as “fading away,” we can focus on the person who is still there—the one who lights up at a familiar song or finds joy in a favorite story. Caregivers can advocate for this perspective, too, by sharing their loved ones’ strengths and by demanding respect and support from healthcare systems and communities.
A Call to Action I challenge you to reflect on how ageism might influence your own perceptions. The next time you interact with an older adult—whether they have dementia or not—approach them with curiosity and respect. Ask about their lives, listen to their stories, and see them as the vibrant, multifaceted individuals they are.
The world may be quick to write off older adults, but that doesn’t mean we have to. In the world of dementia care, a shift in perspective can change everything—for the person living with the disease, for the caregiver, and for society as a whole.
Have you or a loved one faced stigma around an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis? How did it impact your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. And if this post resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it.
Barbara J. Huelat
Caregiver, Healthcare Design Specialist, Speaker & AuthorChampioning compassionate care and innovative solutions for dementia.
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Barbara Huelat, a dynamic force in healthcare design, author, and speaker, shares her expertise in her latest publication, Taming the Chaos of Dementia. With her profound understanding and passion for the subject, she offers practical wisdom on navigating dementia care with empathy and skill, transforming this complex challenge into an empowering journey.
Explore Barbara's insights at barbarahuelat.com or call 703-795-1743 for an enriching experience.
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