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High Expectations

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  1. Expectations - Overview
  2. Expectation 1 You should expect to be listened to, valued, and respected
  3. Expectation 2 You should expect knowledgeable and compassionate health care
  4. Expectation 3 You should expect to get medications that will only make you feel better, not worse
  5. Expectation 4 You should expect never to be abandoned or forgotten
  6. Expectation 5 You should expect not to live a life of loneliness or depression
  7. Expectation 6 You should expect to live life as pain-free as possible
  8. Expectation 7 You should expect never to be the object of prejudice or abuse
  9. Expectation 8 You should expect to get the help you need to live life to the fullest
  10. Expectation 9 You should expect to live up to your potential and have hope for the future
  11. Expectation 10 You should expect to be in control of your life and understand what is happening to you
  12. Expectation 11 And most importantly... You should expect never to be taken advantage of except for your talents, knowledge, and wisdom
  13. Reflection Activity
  14. Course Feedback - Expectations
  1. High Expectations
  2. Expectation 7 You should expect never to be the object of prejudice or abuse
Lesson 8 of 14
In Progress

Expectation 7 You should expect never to be the object of prejudice or abuse

Robert Stall MD

Every person—regardless of age—deserves to feel safe, respected, and treated fairly. You should expect never to be mistreated, judged, or harmed because of your age, background, abilities, or identity.

Sadly, some older adults experience prejudice or abuse, whether subtle or overt. This can take many forms: being spoken to in a disrespectful tone, being excluded from decisions, being taken advantage of financially, or suffering emotional, physical, or even sexual harm. None of this is ever acceptable.

Ageism—bias against people based on age—is a form of prejudice. It might sound like “You don’t need to worry about that at your age” or “You wouldn’t understand.” Over time, these messages can chip away at your confidence and sense of worth. Abuse, whether emotional or physical, may be harder to talk about—but it’s never your fault, and you are not alone.

You have the right to be treated with dignity in every environment—at home, in public, in care settings, and within your community. Being safe and respected is not a privilege—it’s a basic expectation.

Action Plan

1. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off—if someone is treating you poorly, intimidating you, or crossing boundaries—don’t ignore it. Your instincts matter.

2. Speak Up or Seek Help
Talk to someone you trust. This might be a family member, a friend, a doctor, a spiritual leader, or an advocate. Abuse thrives in silence; speaking up is a powerful step toward safety and healing.

3. Know the Signs
Abuse isn’t always physical. Watch for sudden withdrawal, changes in financial accounts, unexplained injuries, or someone trying to isolate you or control your decisions.

4. Know Your Rights
You have legal protections against elder abuse and discrimination. Local agencies, social workers, and elder advocacy organizations can help you understand your rights and take action if needed.

5. Surround Yourself with Support
Build a network of people who respect you and treat you well. Being in safe, uplifting relationships can help prevent and protect against abuse.

You are never too old to be protected, to be heard, and to live free from fear or mistreatment. Expect to be treated with dignity—always.