Age as a Dimension of Diversity

AGE AS A DIMENSION OF
DIVERSITY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Age related health inequalities.....................................................................................................3
Impact of health inequalities on well being.................................................................................4
Legislations and policies related to health & social care (H&S).................................................4
Response of health care practitioners to promote inclusive practices.........................................5
Approaches to promote equality and to prevent inequalities.......................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7
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INTRODUCTION
Diversity is defined as the commonality and differences among group of people
which can be observed at institutional, structural or individual level and can have
significant impact upon entire group (Tarzia, Fetherstonhaugh and Bauer, 2012). For
ensuring the wellbeing of all individuals it is required that dimensions of diversity are
well understood, and discriminatory areas can be legally protected and addressed. Age
has been one of the most important dimensions of diversity which is often used by
practitioners and community to discriminate and for unfair practices.
According to Draper and Fenton, (2014) two third of people with chronic illness or
disability belongs to age group of above 55 years. It justifies that age factor brings great
diversity to health and social wellbeing of individuals. Thus, it is vital that age induced
inequalities must be identified so that suitable care practices and legislations can be
adopted to overcome the impact of inequality on community or groups. The report will
discuss the age factor as dimension of diversity and its impact on health inequalities
within UK. It will also evaluate the role played by health practitioners in addressing age
inequalities and to encourage inclusive health care practices so that social, physical,
emotional, and mental wellbeing of individuals can be maintained irrespective of age
diversity.
MAIN BODY
Age related health inequalities
Ageing can be considered as one of prominent diversity dimension which keeps on
widening the inequality gap. As per the reports presented by Draper and Fenton, (2014)
people above 85 years of age are more vulnerable to health risk factors as well as socio
economic influences. There is great difference in terms of recovery from injury or illness,
mental illness and social challenges among young and older population (Abbey and
et.al., 2006). In the same paper author also suggested that the extent of happiness or
emotional stability is higher in middle age but with increasing age it begins to reduce. It
enhances the higher vulnerability of mental disorders and social exclusion in old age.
Though equality act and other legislations prohibits age based discrimination but still
due to lack of inclusion it is very complicated for elderlies to manage their finances and
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