EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF RACIALIZED AGEISM AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract Ageism is a prevalent, insidious social justice issue which has harmful effects on the health of older adults. Preliminary literature explores intersectionality ageism with sexism, ableism, classism, and experienced among LGBTQ+ To our knowledge, intersection racism, or racialized ageism, largely absent from literature. This qualitative study explored following research question phenomenological perspective: “What lived experience diverse adults?” Twenty participants 60+ years age (M=69) in U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, White engaged one-hour interview between February July 2021. A three-cycle coding process used constant comparison methods. Five coders independently coded interviews, engaging critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, peer debriefing enhanced credibility. Six umbrella themes 20 sub-themes were identified. In this paper, six are highlighted direct implications for practice:1) compounding oppression, 2) being avoided categorized due others’ discomfort, 3) increased disrespect, 4) microaggressions, 5) acts hate, 6) cultural values/respect elders protective factor. Implications include informing how practitioners may enhance support adults preventing coping experiences ageism. Enhanced understanding should also inform existing anti-ageism initiatives at community level. Future focus ageist microaggressions relationship specific outcomes.