In defence of ageism.
Health care should be preferentially allocated to younger patients. This is just and is seen as just. Age is an objective factor in rationing decisions. The arguments against 'ageism' are answered. The effects of age on current methods of rationing are illustrated, and the practical applications of an age-related criterion are discussed. Ageist policies are in current use and open discussion of them is advocated.
Shaw
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AB
Bradford Royal Infirmary, West Yorkshire.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002961:Civil Rights; D003657:Decision Making; D028663:Ethical Theory; D028741:Ethics Committees, Clinical; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011287:Prejudice; D011639:Public Opinion; D011788:Quality of Life; D040841:Resource Allocation; D006113:United Kingdom; D026712:Value of Life; D028761:Withholding Treatment