Developing Anti-ageist Practice in Social Work

A critical approach to social work aims to achieve social justice, and redress inequality, marginalisation and disadvantage. Ageing is an axiomatic experience for each one of us, and now it is more likely that we will live longer. In all categories of identity such as gender, class, sexuality and race, age is the least theorized. Socially constructed notions of ageing adults are mostly negative and can be attributable to ageism, a cultural construct which represents systemic patterns of discrimination, social exclusion and negative stereotypes that are deeply embedded in Western culture. Critical gerontology as a theory to inform practice seeks to represent the varied stories of ageing lives and avoids essentialism, focuses on politicising the issues of knowledge production, explores stories of ageing from the 'inside' of ageing and uncovers 'hidden' social issues through giving emphasis to otherwise invisible voices. Anti-ageist practice in social work must also include reflective practice and reflexive thinking.