ADDRESSING Model

Age

Ageism is discrimination or negative perceptions based on age. While the term is used primarily in reference to older adults, it can also target individuals across the developmental spectrum, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Older adults are often either overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with both physical and mental illnesses due to lack of research on aging. Physicians may feel reluctant to specialize in work with geriatric populations because of low Medicare reimbursement and the likelihood of poor medical prognosis and outcomes. Many older adults may also face discrimination related to wages, employment, promotion, equitable benefits, discipline and discharge, and other age-related discriminatory practices. The intention of the U.S. Congress’ enactment of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was to address the disadvantages experienced by workers over the age of 40 and advance employment protections based on skill, aptitude, and competence, rather than age. While ageism may affect individuals of any age, legal protections in the United States do not protect those under the age of 40 from such discrimination. Intersections of age with race, gender, poverty, and disability highlight compounding marginalizing factors that negatively impact physical, psychosocial, and mental health outcomes for older adults.

Developmental Disability

Disabilities are physical or mental impairments that limit life activities. Developmental disabilities exist from birth, such as autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hearing loss, and intellectual or learning disabilities. The mental and emotional health of individuals with disabilities is often overlooked, and, despite high suicide rates in teens with disabilities, very little research on assessment and population-specific treatment is available.

...