Respect Across the Lifespan: Tackling Ageism in Anesthesia-Respect Across the Lifespan: Tackling Ageism in Anesthesia

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, led by Marlene McDowell and Dr. Crystal Campbell with expert panelist Dr. Cynthia Farina, focused on addressing ageism within anesthesia practice under the theme "Respect Across the Lifespan." The session began by defining ageism as prejudice or discrimination based on age, affecting both older and younger individuals, and emphasized that over 90% of adults aged 50-80 experience some form of ageism, often subtle and internalized. The speakers highlighted how American culture prioritizes youthfulness, which contributes to stereotyping and microaggressions against older adults in healthcare and the workplace.<br /><br />Dr. Farina shared observations on ageist behaviors such as "elderspeak," patronizing language, and workplace biases labeling experienced clinicians as "too gray" or obsolete, stressing the negative impact on dignity, trust, and retention of seasoned CRNAs. She underscored the importance of self-advocacy and awareness of implicit biases. Both speakers urged treating patients as individuals rather than by chronological age, acknowledging distinctions between biological and chronological age, and avoiding assumptions about cognitive or physical decline.<br /><br />Effective strategies to combat ageism included education, positive intergenerational contact, and role modeling respectful language, summarized in an age-inclusive communication checklist that advocates for direct, plain speech without infantilization. The discussion also addressed ageism among anesthesia students and faculty, stressing tailored teaching approaches to generational differences and fostering inclusive environments.<br /><br />The conversation concluded with calls for more research on ageism’s prevalence in CRNA practice and workforce sustainability, resources for education on ageism, and practical advice for confronting bias respectfully in healthcare settings. The overall message emphasized that while ageism is pervasive and insidious, it can be mitigated through awareness, intention, and cultural change within anesthesia care.

Keywords

ageism

anesthesia

clinical practice

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

internalized ageism

reverse ageism

elder speak

intergenerational mentorship

patient autonomy

age bias education

anesthesia practice

Respect Across the Lifespan

elderspeak

workplace bias

implicit bias

intergenerational contact

age-inclusive communication

CRNA workforce

healthcare discrimination