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Updated: Jul 8, 2025
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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Age-Related Microaggressions: Their Frequency, Emotional Impact, and Relationship to Negative Affect
Hannah M Lewis1, Luke J Gietzen1, Stephanie H Patt1
1Department of Psychology, Minnesota State University Mankato, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mankato, MN, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|December 12, 2023
Summary
Older adults frequently encounter age-related microaggressions, experiencing negative emotional reactions linked to their affect and perceived physical health. Understanding these experiences is key to combating ageism.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Age-related microaggressions are subtle, everyday instances of ageist discrimination.
- Previous research indicates the prevalence and impact of these microaggressions on older adults.
- Understanding the emotional and health implications is crucial for addressing ageism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate prior findings on age-related microaggressions.
- To identify common forms of age-related microaggressions experienced by older adults.
- To examine the influence of affect on emotional responses to these microaggressions.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 200 participants.
- Participants reported experiences with age-related microaggressions.
- Data collected included affect levels and perceived physical health.
Main Results:
- 53% of participants were familiar with the described age-related microaggressions.
- 43% of these microaggressions elicited negative emotional reactions.
- Negative reactions correlated significantly with negative affect (r=.34, P<.001) and poorer perceived physical health (r=-.32, P=.002).
Conclusions:
- The study confirms and expands upon the understanding of age-related microaggressions.
- Older adults' emotional responses are influenced by their affect and perceived health.
- Findings can inform educational strategies to mitigate ageism and its effects.
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