Discrimination comes in all forms, shapes and sizes. Some demonstrations of discrimination and prejudice are overt and obvious but others, such as ageism can be veiled and insidious.

According to Wikipedia, “ageism refers to the stereotyping of and discrimination against individuals or groups because of their age.” The term was initially introduced to refer to prejudice and discrimination against older people but now has been used to describe unfair treatment to people of any age. In this article, I will address the problem of ageism as it applies to our senior population.

Recently, I escorted a client to a prominent doctor’s office in the Valley. We waited almost a half an hour for her to be taken into a room, even after being assured that as we were the first appointment after lunch, she would be received quickly. The doctor then plugged a few other patients into various rooms and proceeded to go through their care. This is fine; we understand that as eye drops have to have time to work and protocols have to be followed, a system like this is very efficient. When her visit was complete and she was dismissed, she was gathering her cane and purse, only to be told loudly by this same doctor, to “keep it moving.” A senior somewhat unsteady on her feet and having sat for more than an hour with eye drops dilating her pupils was rightly careful in rising to be sure she was safe. Both my client and I were shocked at this rude display of ageism by this professional and a man that very soon will be joining the senior ranks.

When researching this topic, I happened along an excellent article by the CNPEA – Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, for more information about this excellent organization – www.cnpea.ca. Below is a short version of the points in their document – “How Do We Get Past Ageism.”

1. Identify the myths and misinformation. Challenge erroneous and baseless beliefs.

2. Go beyond the stereotypes of aging. Recognize labels that do nothing to properly describe a person.

3. Learn more about aging. Educate yourself to evaluate and resist inaccurate stereotypes.

4. Learn more about ageism and discrimination. Find out how some policies are not neutral to seniors.

5. Listen to seniors who have experienced ageism. Ask how they feel about what they have encountered.

6. Monitor media and respond to ageist material. Challenge the media to stop propagating myths.

7. Speak up about ageism. When a disparaging joke is told, educate those as they may not see how harmful it is.

8. Watch our language. Be careful of the terms and expressions we use so as not to generalize one age group.

9. Talk openly about aging issues and ageism. Openly discuss and share your knowledge about ageism.

10. Build intergenerational bridges to promote better understanding. Challenge all ages to know more.

11. Provide support for organizations that address ageism. Join. Be part of a positive solution.

12. Push for changes from your elected representative. Watch for ageism from your MP’s, etc.

Ageism, like any other prejudice can’t flourish if it isn’t fed. Let’s all be more aware of how we either promote or discourage these old stereotypes and myths and do our part to dispel them.

By, Laila Pera, CSA, www.northgatesupportservices.ca

This section of our newsletter gives you an opportunity to send in questions and receive answers from one of Canada's leading and founding gerontologists! A retired professor of gerontology from Simon Fraser University, Dr. John Crawford continues to share his expertise and wisdom by serving as the VP of Education for the Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors.  Take advantage of your access to this remarkable resource by e-mailing your questions to: drjohn@canadacsa.com. 

January is “Alzheimer’s Month”.  Much of the media coverage during this period (and beyond) will emanate from the newly published Report by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, “Rising Tide – The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society.”  I encourage everyone to read this Report.  In this context, a question I often hear from families who suspect  ’cognitive decline’ in a senior member of the family is: “How do I know if (parent’s or grandparent’s name) has Alzheimer’s Disease?”

The answer is simple: “Get them to a doctor for a full medical work-up and assessment.” Yes, straightforward to SAY, but NOT always easy to CARRY OUT!
The essential ‘first-step’ of persuading the individual to actually GO to their doctor and take the basic pen-and-paper mental tests can meet a lot of resistance. It often takes considerable ‘delicacy’ of communication at this stage to avoid causing offence and resentment. Once this initial step is taken, things will usually move along towards an eventual diagnosis. Depending on the ‘in-office screening’ results, the family doctor can refer for specialized evaluation to a Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU), usually staffed by a geriatrician and his team. Since the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is a ‘diagnosis-by-exclusion’ the very sophisticated testing at  the GAU will try to ‘eliminate’ all other possible reasons (including reversible ones) for cognitive decline. By its very nature, this can be a lengthy process, sometimes requiring an in-hospital stay or repeated visits to a GAU clinic.  

These pancakes are made with whole-wheat flour and flax for a good source of fibre and some heart-healthy omega-3. Freeze them for a quick breakfast (just pop them in the toaster) or for a great grab-and-go snack. You can also enjoy them right off the griddle.

Ingredients (Makes 12 servings)
 2 cups (500 mL) buttermilk
 1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil
 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract
 1/4 cup (50 mL) maple syrup
 2 eggs
 1 cup (250 mL) whole-wheat flour
 1/2 cup (125 mL) ground flax seed
 1/2 cup (125 mL) oat bran
 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
 1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen wild blueberries
Top the pancakes off with apple butter.

Directions
1. In a large bowl mix together buttermilk, oil, vanilla, maple syrup, and eggs.
2. In a second bowl combine flour, flax, oat bran, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
3. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk together until you get a smooth batter. Gently stir in blueberries.
4. Preheat non-stick fry pan or griddle to medium heat. Use a cup measure to spoon the batter into the pan. When finished cooking, place on wax paper to cool. There should be 12 pancakes.
5. When fully cooled, stack pancakes with wax paper in between and place in a resealable freezer bag. Place in freezer.
6. To serve: Remove one pancake from the freezer and place in toaster on the darkest setting. When finished, cut in half, spread with apple butter and serve like a sandwich. Perfect for running out the door!

Nutritional information per serving
(1 pancake)
 Calories: 132
 Protein: 6 g
 Fat: 5 g
 Saturated fat: 1 g
 Dietary cholesterol: 32 mg
 Carbohydrate: 19 g
 Dietary fibre: 3 g
 Sodium: 232 mg
 Potassium: 190 mg

Developed by Nadine Day, a registered dietitian who specializes in children's nutrition. ©The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Posted May 2007.

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded. 
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Seniors and Internet Use-From 1997-2003, Senior households with home internet access increased from 3.4% - 22.7%.

(Stats Canada, A Portrait of Seniors in Canada, 2006)

It’s a good idea to send your upcoming travel itinerary to a friend or relative so someone will always know your whereabouts.  Be sure to carry a prepaid phone card or cell phone so you can keep in touch from the road.

(source : www.SeniorsGOTravel.com)