A study published in the British Medical Journal found substantial undertreatment of stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack) in patients over the age of 80, despite the fact that older patients could benefit substantially from appropriate treatments. The researchers behind the study said that in England, decades of health service underfunding had engendered an environment in which ageism had flourished and the only conclusion to be drawn was that older patients were being discriminated against.
Commenting on the study, Professor John Young lamented that whenever a clinical stone is turned over, ageism is revealed. Transient ischaemic attacks and minor strokes can now be added to the discriminatory list that includes cancer services, coronary care units and mental health services, he said.
Ageism will prosper when resources are inadequate, he said, adding that tackling institutionalized age discrimination in health services will require national leadership, with governments and health services openly acknowledging the presence of ageism.
But it may be that ageism is so deeply embedded in our health service that policy initiatives will never represent more than a tinkering round the edges, say the authors of the study, adding that older people may lose trust in their health service and lobby for protection through anti-discrimination legislation.
Source: British Medical Journal
