“I prefer to stay silent”: internalized ageism, mobility avoidance, and social participation in later life

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Population aging has heightened the importance of ensuring older adults' equal participation in social life and access to public services. Public transportation is central to mobility, independence, and social participation in later life, yet older adults may face age-based discrimination in everyday public settings. This study explored older adults' experiences of ageism in public transportation and examined how these experiences affect mobility and social participation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a qualitative design in Türkiye. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 public transportation users aged 65 years and older. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns of age-based discrimination in transportation settings. RESULTS: Ageism was experienced mainly through subtle, everyday interactions rather than overt exclusion. Avoidance of eye contact, reluctance to offer priority seating, and negative comments about older adults travelling during crowded hours contributed to feelings of exclusion and invisibility. Such experiences also restricted social participation by discouraging voluntary mobility and increasing emotional discomfort in public spaces. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The study conceptualizes public transportation as an everyday social space in which ageism is reproduced through interpersonal interactions and structural conditions. The findings underscore the need for age-friendly transport policies, greater public awareness, improved accessibility, staff training, and effective complaint mechanisms. Collaboration among relevant institutions may further support older adults' mobility and social participation.

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