Experiencing Civil Unrest: Elder Voices on Ferguson

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Gerontology
• Criminology

Background:

• Ferguson, Missouri, experienced significant civic unrest following the fatal shooting of an unarmed African American teenager by a Caucasian police officer.
• The prolonged unrest prompted a need to understand the experiences of diverse community members, particularly vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and understand the lived experiences of older adults during the 2014 Ferguson civic unrest.
• To identify key themes and concerns among older adults amidst social and community disruption.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methodology employing ten focus groups.
• In-depth discussions with 73 older adult participants residing in Ferguson, Missouri.

Main Results:

• Eight distinct themes emerged from participant discussions.
• Safety concerns were the most frequently reported issue among older adults.
• A significant breakdown in intergenerational communication was identified, coupled with a expressed need for greater exchange.

Conclusions:

• Older adults' experiences during the Ferguson unrest were largely defined by safety concerns and communication challenges.
• Findings underscore the importance of fostering intergenerational dialogue and community engagement for older adults.
• Ongoing discussions with community organizations aim to integrate older adults into development efforts and facilitate intergenerational connections.