Age-Related Microaggressions: Their Frequency, Emotional Impact, and Relationship to Negative Affect

Age-related microaggressions are forms of ageist discrimination that occur in day-to-day interactions. This study aimed to validate the findings of a previous study, to identify common age-related microaggressions, and determine how affect influences emotional reactions to microaggressions. Using an online survey, participants (n = 200) were asked about their experience with age-related microaggressions, their affect, and their physical health. Participants were familiar with these microaggressions 53% of the time and had negative reactions to 43% of these microaggressions. The frequency of negative reactions to microaggressions was significantly correlated with scores of negative affect (r = .34, P < .001) and with ratings of perceived physical health (r = -.32, P = .002). The results of the study provide further insight into the topography of, and how older adults experience microaggressions. This information should be used as an educational tool to reduce the prevalence of ageism.