The Relationship Between Perceived Age Discrimination in the Healthcare System and Health: An Examination of a Multi-Path Model in a National Sample of Israelis Over the Age of 50

Abstract

Objectives

The present study aims to examine possible pathways that potentially account for the relationship between perceived age discrimination in healthcare settings (as one form of ageism) and health outcomes.

Methods

We relied on 1570 complete surveys, which constitute a representative national sample of adults aged 50 and above in Israel.

Results

We found a direct link between perceived age discrimination and health outcomes. This link was partially mediated by self-perceptions of aging and subsequently by health behaviors (e.g., eating vegetables) and preventive health behaviors (e.g., medical check-ups). The link between perceived age discrimination and health behaviors was moderated by age, thus, particularly detrimental for older people over the age of 65 as compared with those between the ages of 50 and 65.

Discussion

This study adds to the literature as it examines comprehensive mechanisms to account for the path between perceived age discrimination and health status. Our findings point to the unique aspects associated with perceived age discrimination, which potentially make older people more susceptible to its negative effects.