A phenomenological understanding of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults: Interpersonal experiences

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults, with a focus on interpersonal experiences. Fifteen participants 60+ years of age (M = 67, SD = 7.45) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, or Indigenous engaged in a 1-hour interview. A three-cycle, inductive coding process involved five coders who independently coded interviews and engaged in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility.

The results detail four umbrella themes and nine subthemes. The subthemes demonstrate experiences of the intersectionality of ageism with racism reflected through (1) increased disrespect, (2) cultural differences in respect for elders, (3) tokenization, (4) physical appearance, (5) being ignored or discriminated against due to others’ discomfort, (6) intersecting experiences of pity, hate, and violence, (7) unspoken bias (including racial profiling), (8) microaggressions: questioning intelligence/ability, and (9) microaggressions: slurs. Multiple themes highlighted how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability.

Social work practitioners and researchers can apply the findings from this study to explore interventions aimed at reducing interpersonal, racialized ageist microaggressions related to mental incapability. At the community level, anti-racism and anti-ageism initiatives should collaborate by applying an enhanced understanding of the ways ageism and racism intersect through pity, hate, and violence particularly in public settings such as shopping centers. The findings from this study can also help shape policies aimed at reducing racial profiling and hate crimes toward older adults of color.