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On studying ageism in long-term care: a systematic review of the literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2016

José Manuel Sousa de São José Open the ORCID record for José Manuel Sousa de São José [Opens in a new window]  and
Carla Alexandra Filipe Amado
José Manuel Sousa de São José*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve and CIEO, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
Carla Alexandra Filipe Amado
Affiliation:
Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve and CEFAGE-UAlg, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr José Manuel Sousa de São José, Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve and CIEO, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal. Phone: +351 289 817571; Fax: +351 289 800064. Email: jsjose@ualg.pt.
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Abstract

Background: Ageism in long-term care is pervasive, but it is not easy to define, to identify and to fight it in practice. These difficulties could be overcome if we develop research capable to conceptualize, detect, measure, and understand the multidimensionality and complexity of ageism. Nevertheless, to achieve this, it is fundamental to know how ageism in long-term care has been previously studied.

Methods: This paper systematically reviews studies on ageism in long-term care services published before October 2015 and indexed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Social Care Online electronic databases. Electronic searches were complemented with visual scanning of reference lists and hand searching of leading journals in the field of gerontology. Four specific review questions were addressed: Which analytical angles (aetiology, prevalence, manifestations, consequences, and interventions) have been explored? Which theories and concepts have been used? Which methods have been employed? Which variants of ageism have been covered?

Results: Studies have focused mainly on the manifestations, etiology, and prevalence of ageism, neglecting its consequences and the interventions to tackle it; a significant number of studies used scales of ageism which, despite being appropriate considering the aims of the research, present important limitations; most studies have focused on residential services, neglecting non-residential services; some of the variants of ageism have been well covered, while implicit and self-ageism have been under-explored.

Conclusions: Research on ageism in long-term care services is scarce but important. Much has been done but much remains to be done. An agenda for future research is presented.

Keywords

ageismage-discriminationlong-term caresystematic review
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , March 2017 , pp. 373 - 387
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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