Ageism revisited: A study measuring ageism in East Tennessee, USA

Abstract

Research literature over the past 50 years has addressed ageism, but few studies have examined the measurement of ageism or how to combat it. This study utilized Palmore's Ageism Survey to measure the frequency of occurrence of ageism and to examine the types of ageism reported by older adults in the East Tennessee region of the USA. A convenience sample of 247 community-dwelling older adults was recruited from eight senior centers and nutrition sites. The participants ranged in age from 60-92 years. Eighty-four percent of the participants indicated an experience with at least one type of ageism. The forms of ageism frequently reported were jokes and birthday cards that poked fun at older people. Events showing disrespect also were reported. Differences in urban/suburban and rural reporting were noted. The findings from this and similar studies might provide guidance for the measurement of ageism and how to combat it.

Hard and soft age discrimination: the dual nature of workplace discrimination

“…Hard discrimination was also reported more frequently by respondents living in urban areas (large and medium cities) than in rural areas, as confirmed in other research (Johnson and Neumark 1997;McGuire et al 2008). Differences in age composition between urban and rural labour markets have been increased in Poland by the outflow of younger and skilled people from village to cities (Szymańska and Biegańska 2014).…”

“…Some studies found higher rates of discrimination in urban areas than in rural areas (Johnson and Neumark 1997;McGuire et al 2008). Urban and rural labour markets can differ significantly regarding the occupational structure and types of companies, culture and social norms of work and work relations, as well as the age composition of workforce.…”

Ageism in British Columbia: A Brief Report

“…Are Canadians really more ageist than Americans? This study, using Palmore (2001) Ageism Survey, attempts to examine the prevalence of ageism in British Columbia and discuss it's impact on seniors.…”

“…The survey covers only negative forms of ageism and includes examples of stereotypes, attitudes, personal and institutional discrimination. "The respondents were invited to Put a number in the blank that shows how often you have experienced that event: Never = 0; Once = 1; More than once = 2" (Palmore, 2001).…”

“…The Ageism Survey (Palmore, 2001) was used to assess the prevalence of ageism. The 20-item instrument has good internal reliability (alpha = 0.79) and provides incidents of ageism developed through ageism literature, discussions within academia and groups of older persons.…”