Bullying in Old Age: A Qualitative Study on Older Adults’ Perceptions About Being Bullied

Abstract

Significant demographic changes and a growing aging population increasingly emphasize the importance of assessing phenomena of violence against older adults, who constitute a vulnerable population. Therefore, bullying in old age is a poorly studied phenomena, but of growing importance. This study aims to analyze the perspectives of bullying in old age, using qualitative research at a cross-national level. We interviewed 173 older participants aged 65–91 years. Participants were Portuguese and English and lived in the community. Participants were subjected to semi-structured interviews. All the interviews went through a process of content analysis. Sample recruitment occurred through initial telephone contact, followed by a request to participate. Outcomes of content analysis produced seven themes, all of them associated with bullying experiences such as compromised learning capacity, loss of sense of agency and decision-making, asexuality, less attractive appearance, less social skills, gender discrimination, and less financial resources. Portuguese older adults felt mostly bullied for their loss of sense of agency and decision-making, less attractive appearance, less social skills, and less financial resources, while English participants mostly felt bullied for their compromised learning capacity, gender discrimination, and asexuality. The themes identified as being the most prominent in bullying are valuable guidelines for social policies and interventions toward bullying among older adults. Considering the scarcity of studies on bullying in older adults, this study is relevant for understanding the experience of older adults in relation to being bullied and for implementing psychosocial intervention programs including bullying situations that affect community-dwelling older adults.

Social Image of Old Age, Gendered Ageism and Inclusive Places: Older People in the Media

“…Research into equality and feminism among older people is difficult to find; it is almost always included in publications dedicated to gender violence. For example, von Humboldt et al [ 75 ] conducted qualitative research with 173 participants aimed at analysing the perspectives of bullying in old age. They reported several female interviewees who identified the gender-based discrimination they suffered as older women and one of them explained the situations of violence to which she was exposed.…”

Loneliness, ageism, and mental health: The buffering role of resilience in seniors

“…Loneliness and ageism, despite being independent factors, are generally associated among seniors ( Shiovitz-Ezra et al, 2018 ). Contemporary studies establish three major relationships between them: the internalization of stereotypes of aging such as old age being a time of loneliness, the age-based discriminatory practices that increase the isolation and feeling of loneliness, and the chronic rejection that can cause social avoidance and vice-versa ( Shiovitz-Ezra et al, 2018 ; von Humboldt et al, 2020 ). These factors enhance the occurrence of cumulative risk factors, potentially creating even more negative effects on the mental health of seniors ( Burnes et al, 2019 ; Shiovitz-Ezra et al, 2018 ).…”

Is age an issue? Psychosocial differences in perceived older workers’ work (un)adaptability, effectiveness, and workplace age discrimination

“…Ageism is defined as discrimination against people on the basis of their age and is manifested through negative stereotypes and perceptions about older adults. Moreover, Butler highlighted three dimensions of ageism: attitudes and beliefs, behavioral discrimination, and formalized policies and practices (Butler, 1980;von Humboldt et al, 2020).…”