Overlooked and Underestimated: Experiences of Ageism in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults. (3rd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chasteen, Alison L; Horhota, Michelle; Crumley-Branyon, Jessica J
• Editors: Isaacowitz, Derek
• Is Part Of: Journals of gerontology. Volume 76:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: 1323
• Page End: 1328
• Publication Date: 2020-04-03
• Subjects: Age prejudice -- Age stereotypes -- Emotional response; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Aging -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-5014

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Although the prevalence of ageism against older people has been well-established, less is known about the characteristics of those experiences or the experiences of young and middle-aged adults. The present study addressed these gaps by examining young, middle-aged, and older adults' self-reports of an ageist action they experienced. Methods: Participants' descriptions were coded for the domain in which the ageist experience occurred, the perpetrator of the ageist experience, and the type of ageist experience. Results: Young adults most commonly reported experiencing ageism in the workplace with coworkers as perpetrators. Middle-aged and older adults also reported ageism in the workplace; however, they also frequently reported experiencing ageism while seeking goods and services. Perpetrators of ageism varied more widely for middle-aged and older adults. Regardless of one's age, ageism was commonly experienced in the form of a lack of respect or incorrect assumptions. Discussion: The findings enhance our understanding of ageism across adulthood by considering the domains, perpetrators, and types of ageist expressions that adults of all ages encounter. They also suggest that interventions to reduce age bias will require multifaceted approaches that take into account the different forms that individuals experience across the life span.