Ageism perceived by the elderly in Taiwan following hip fracture

This qualitative, longitudinal study explored the feelings about and responses to discrimination experiences related to perceived ageism of older persons following hip fracture. Five male and six female hip-fractured elderly patients were sampled from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to explore participants’ experiences of and responses to ageism-related experiences. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews during home visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge from hospital, between June 2007 and December 2008. Textual data of participants’ responses were analyzed by directed content analysis. All participants experienced ageism. In first 3 months after discharge, participants’ main perceived ageism was positive because of their dependency and feeling overprotected by others. From 3 months to 1 year after discharge, other ageism experiences emerged: isolated because of physical restrictions and neglected. Furthermore, participants’ responses were divided into two categories: disregard and tolerance of ageism, or becoming more independent because of ageism. The elderly participants considered that the influences of positive ageism in the early months after discharge reduced their autonomy and deprived them of power. This response to ageism was temporary; over time the participants tried to regain autonomy by overcoming their dependency and improving their physical functioning.