Ageism In Social Work

An example of ageism that I witnessed during a visit to the oncologist’s office shortly after my 75-year-old father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer. It happened when the physician was explaining the diagnosis and treatment options available at the time, 5 years ago. The physician offered the explanation that at 75 years of age, surely a good life had been lived, and that he should consider the quality vs. the quantity of life before embarking on a treatment plan, despite the fact that my father-in-law was otherwise an active and healthy man. Needless to say, chemotherapy treatment was completed, and despite his age, still healthy and very active, this year we celebrated his 80th birthday.
I believe that ageism, as stated by McLean