A Phenomenological Understanding of the Intersection-ality of Ageism and Racism Among Older Adults: Individual-Level Experiences

Abstract

Objectives: Ageism is a prevalent, insidious social justice issue that has harmful effects on the health of older adults. Preliminary literature explores the intersectionality of ageism with sexism, ableism, and ageism experienced among LGBTQ+ older adults. Yet, the intersectionality of ageism with racism remains largely absent from the literature. Therefore, this study explores the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults.

Methods: This qualitative study applied a phenomenological approach. Twenty participants 60+ years of age (M = 69, standard deviation = 8.84) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or White engaged in a 1-hr interview between February and July 2021. A 3-cycle coding process applied constant comparison methods. Five coders independently coded interviews, engaging in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility.

Results: This study focuses on individual-level experiences exemplified by 3 umbrella themes and 7 subthemes. The subthemes are (a) compounding oppression, (b) intersection of disparities, (c) White privilege, (d) racism and ageism: being tokenized or ignored, (e) ageism and racism: unspoken bias, (f) racism versus ageism: overt or covert? and (g) racism versus ageism: differentiated or ubiquitous?

Discussion: The findings indicate how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability. Practitioners can apply the findings to enhance support for older adults by designing interventions aimed at reducing racialized ageist stereotypes and increasing collaboration through education across anti-ageism/anti-racism initiatives. Future research should focus on the impacts of the intersectionality of ageism and racism on specific health outcomes in addition to structural-level interventions.

Keywords: Ageism; Minority aging (race/ethnicity); Qualitative methods.