“Connecting with Older Workers: Reflections on the Karl Kinanen Graduate Research Scholarship”

Ageism is often described as the only socially acceptable form of discrimination. It runs rampant in popular society and can be found in the media, healthcare, technology, advertising, and nearly every other significant facet of our lives. Of particular interest to me is the prevalence of  ageism within the workplace and labour market. I am incredibly grateful to the 2021-22 Karl Kinanen Graduate Student Research Scholarship for allowing me to pursue this area of research throughout my M.A thesis. Upon the completion of semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, I uncovered the nuances, contradictions, emotions, and realities that constitute the experience of ageism among older adults in the Canadian workplace. Participants highlighted the complex nature of ageist interactions as well as the gamut of psycho-social consequences that they have faced. Participants also discussed several different types of preferred coping mechanisms (such as community support or exercise). Intersections with other forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and ableism) and the degree to which COVID-19 has impacted participants were found to be central in shaping the experiences of ageism in the workplace.

With support from Karl Kinanen funds, I was able to offer appropriate compensation to the participants who made my research possible. These honorariums not only broadened my connection with older adults across the province, but properly demonstrated my appreciation for the participants who bravely shared their experience with both me and anyone who reads my research. As well, it allowed me to attend and present at my first in-person conference in Regina, Saskatchewan at the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. Here, I was able to disseminate my research findings and gain key feedback from Canadian and international scholars. This trip emphasized the importance of mobilizing research findings for community partners in an effort to inform approaches to improving the lives of older adults in workplaces across Ontario. In an understanding of the essential nature of community engagement, the Gilbrea Centre named me the final speaker for the 2022-23 Annual Seminar Series. Upon the completion of my presentation of my research findings, I was able to exchange ideas and participate in stimulating discussion amongst undergraduate and graduate students, associate researchers, older adults, and community members. Overall, the Karl Kinanen Scholarship allowed me to grow and develop as a researcher while facilitating the dissemination of my research findings to the widest possible audience.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Karl Kinanen, Ms. Beatrice Kemp and Dr. Anju Joshi for their generosity in having established this meaningful student award.

————————————–

Through the Karl Kinanen Scholarship, Amanda also presented a seminar as part of the Gilbrea Annual Seminar Series titled “I never thought this would happen to me: Older adults’ experiences of ageism in the Ontario workplace and labour market”. You can learn more about Amanda’s research by watching the recorded seminar here: