Understanding Ageism in People Aged 85 and Older
Author Information
Author(s): Patskanick Taylor, Ashebir Sophia, D’Ambrosio Lisa, Coughlin Joseph
Primary Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
Older adults aged 85 and above experience unique forms of ageism that differ from those experienced by younger older adults.
Conclusion
The study reveals that octogenarians and nonagenarians have distinct experiences of ageism that are influenced by their social identities and life experiences.
Supporting Evidence
- The study utilized a team-based, inductive, thematic analysis approach.
- Participants articulated experiences with ageism in various domains such as healthcare and product design.
- Benevolent ageism was noted to be particularly pronounced among those aged 85 and older.
- The findings highlight the intersectionality of age with other social identities.
Takeaway
People who are 85 years old and older face different kinds of unfair treatment because of their age, and they shared their stories about this in a group discussion.
Methodology
Qualitative, cross-sectional study using four virtual focus groups.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported experiences of ageism.
Limitations
The study is based on a small sample size and may not represent all individuals aged 85 and older.
Participant Demographics
Participants were U.S. octogenarians and nonagenarians from the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders panel.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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