Ageism from the perspective of older adults: A phenomenological study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to determine what meaning older adults attribute to ageism and then to reach findings thereof in curriculum studies on the same topic. The study was conducted with phenomenological design. The researcher held face-to-face interviews with a total of 13 participants over the age of 65 using a semi-structured interview form and maximum variation sampling method. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data. The themes, sub-themes, and codes obtained as a result of the analysis were examined under four headings. These headings are discrimination as a concept, experiences of ageism, reactions expressed against ageism, and pattern of ageism. The results of the study showed that discriminatory attitudes and behaviors of other adults and social and biological/physiological conditions were among the factors that lead to ageism and behavioral, cognitive and emotional effects emerged when older adults were exposed to ageism. It was revealed that the older adults took measures against the effects of ageism by withdrawing from the social environment, ignoring, and being active. The results of the study were discussed in the context of disadvantaged groups, discrimination, ageism and culture literature, and inferences were made about the curriculum studies that can be carried out to raise awareness, knowledge, and skills by accepting that schools have an important role in combating ageism.