Day: October 2, 2024

Recognizing and Overcoming Implicit Bias

Posted on | by Madison Tralka | Leave a Comment on Recognizing and Overcoming Implicit Bias

According to the American Psychological Association in implicit bias is an unconscious negative attitude towards a specific social group. According to Project Implicit these attitudes and stereotypes can negatively impact our understanding, actions, and decision making. But how do we change our behavior if we’re unaware of our bias?

Uncovering your own Implicit Bias

Project Implicit’s mission is “to contribute to a more aware and equitable society by shedding light on the hidden influences that shape our perceptions and interactions through awareness, research and education.” They maintain a public testing site offering multiple Implicit Association Tests (IATs) to measure attitudes and beliefs that we may be unwilling or unable to report. This allows us to better understand our unconscious thoughts and feelings.

With a variety of topics available individuals can anonymously explore their unconscious beliefs related to age, race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, and appearance. This resource is available by visiting: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Overcoming Implicit Bias

The good news is that our unconscious beliefs can be changed, we just need do a little work to get there. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) offers an 8 Tactics to Reduce Implicit Bias.

Introspection – identify and explore your own implicit associations with the IATs available.

Mindfulness – often our biases emerge when we are stressed. Practice ways to reduce stress.

Perspective-taking – Learn about how people being stereotyped feeling. (I highly recommend the book We Can’t Talk About That at Work!  as a framework for talking about challenging topics.)  

Learn to slow down – take a moment to pause and reflect on positive examples of people from the stereotyped group which will reduce our reflective actions.

Individuation – Find ways to connect with the person on a personal characteristics like shared interests.

Check your messaging – use statements that welcome and embrace multiculturalism and other differences.

Institutionalized fairness – Support cultural diversity and inclusion, identify blind spots and review images used to support diversity and inclusion.

Take two – Know that you will likely falter at resisting implicit bias and will likely need to “take two” from time to time.

Additional Resources:

8 Strategies to Reduce/Interrupt Implicit Bias

Combating Implicit Bias and Stereotypes

Five Strategies to Mitigate Unconscious Bias

Strategies to Reduce Implicit Bias

Tara Moss, a Canadian-Australian author, once said “A lot of change is possible by just acknowledging unconscious bias-that exhaustively documented but unpleasant reality many would rather ignore-and listening with less bias and acting on what we then learn.” By taking small steps we can move towards listening with less bias and acting in a more equitable way.

Understanding and Challenging Ageism: A Look at Where We Are and Where We Can Go 

Posted on | by Alysia Osoff, RN, MSN | Leave a Comment on Understanding and Challenging Ageism: A Look at Where We Are and Where We Can Go 

When you hear the word “ageism,” you might think of stereotypes or jokes about older adults, but it’s much more than that. Ageism is a form of discrimination that affects how we think, feel, and act toward people based on their age, often directed at older adults. While we’ve made progress in recognizing and addressing ageism, we still have a long way to go to ensure that older adults are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they deserve. 

Shifting Perspectives on Aging 

For a long time, the media portrayed older adults as frail, fearful, and out-of-touch. Think about the stereotypes of “grumpy old men” or the tech-illiterate “grandma.” Thankfully, this is changing. In fact, a recent AARP study found a shift in how adults over 50 are portrayed online. Now, older adults are more likely to be shown as active, independent, and tech-savvy. For example, in 2023, one-third of media images depicted older adults using technology—compared to just four percent in 2018! And 80% of these images showed older adults in fashionable clothing, challenging the outdated view that style fades with age. 

These shifts aren’t just about changing how we see older people in media; they’re about reframing aging as a time of vitality and continued contribution to society. 

How Ageism Affects Health and Well-Being 

Ageism isn’t just a cultural problem—it has real-world consequences. Being subjected to negative stereotypes can harm older adults’ physical and mental health. Research by E. Solway shows that discriminatory events and everyday negative experiences, from offhand comments to being ignored, are linked to poor health outcomes in adults aged 50 to 80 (Solway, 2020). When older adults are constantly exposed to these stereotypes, it can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems. 

Moreover, how we view aging can shape our experiences. A study by S. Barber and Shyuan Ching Tan found that when older adults internalize negative aging stereotypes, they perceive fewer opportunities for themselves in the future. Imagine being at a point in your life where, instead of feeling hopeful and excited about new adventures, you feel boxed in by society’s expectations of decline and limitation. 

Ageism in the Workplace: A Missed Opportunity 

Unfortunately, one of the areas where ageism is most persistent is in the workplace. Despite older adults making up over a third of the workforce, their presence is not often reflected in media and hiring practices. AARP’s 2023 survey revealed that over 40% of workers aged 40 and above have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. And if you lose your job after age 55, the reality is harsh—many older workers are out of work for three times longer than their younger counterparts, primarily due to age-related biases. 

This discrimination doesn’t just impact individual careers; it can lead to a domino effect of financial hardship and loss of resources. As Paul Downey, CEO of Serving Seniors, points out, the loss of a job often means the loss of health insurance, resulting in financial distress that can ultimately lead to homelessness. In San Diego, 30% of homeless adults are over age 55, underscoring how age discrimination in employment has far-reaching social impacts. 

Ageism: A Cross-Generational Issue 

It’s easy to assume that ageism only affects older adults, but it impacts everyone. Young people may hold ageist attitudes because of a lack of knowledge about aging and anxiety about growing older. A study by Cassandra Cooney, J. Minahan, and Karen L. Siedlecki shows that when younger adults have limited knowledge about aging and high anxiety about becoming old themselves, they are more likely to harbor ageist attitudes. 

To combat this, we need to broaden our understanding of aging. Age is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some older adults may be grandparents, while others might still be in the workforce or exploring new hobbies and interests. The more we educate people about the diverse experiences of aging, the more we can break down these stereotypes. 

What Can We Do About Ageism? 

So how can we make things better? A global effort is needed. A call to action from the World Health Organization emphasizes that combating ageism requires changing how we view and treat older people in policy, healthcare, and our communities. We can start by: 

  • Changing our language and behaviors. Avoiding jokes, comments, and stereotypes about aging helps to create a more inclusive environment. 
  • Advocating for inclusive policies. Ensuring older adults have access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support is essential for fostering well-being and independence. 
  • Encouraging intergenerational connections. When younger and older people interact, it helps break down stereotypes and builds mutual understanding. 

Ageism is an issue that touches us all, no matter what stage of life we’re in. By working together to challenge stereotypes and embrace the diverse experiences of aging, we not only make life better for today’s older adults but also for all of us as we move through life’s different chapters. 

In short, everyone has a role in addressing ageism—whether it’s how we talk about aging, how we represent older people in media, or how we treat each other in the workplace. After all, we’re all aging, and by fostering a society that values and respects older adults, we’re ensuring a better future for everyone. 

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