WHEN AGEISM AND ABLEISM INTERSECT: THE EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES OF LOW-INCOME WOMEN WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

This qualitative study of low-income older women with chronic health conditions and/or physical disabilities revealed important insights regarding how discrimination affects employment outcomes for this population. A secondary data analysis using a thematic analysis approach (Braun & Clark, 2006) was conducted of 14 intensive interviews with low-income women who were current or former participants in a federally funded training and employment program for workers over age 55. Discriminatory practices, policies and interactions at the institutional and interpersonal level were identified as central to job loss and challenges reentering the workforce. However, institutional supports accessed through the training and employment program operated as a protective factor, enhancing health and self-confidence. Job tasks tailored to the capacity of the individual resulted in continued employment, and provided a corrective experience for participants whose experiences of discrimination had reinforced negative stereotypes regarding the impact of age and ability status on one’s value in the workplace. The findings underscore that when there is a good fit between the demands of the job and the capacity of the individual, employment has the potential to promote health and well-being. Researchers (e.g. Harris et al., 2017) have highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of how older workers manage discrimination in order to inform strategies to counteract it. The present study addresses this gap, supporting the need to bolster legislation designed to prevent discrimination, enhance opportunities for lifelong learning and support flexible work arrangements for low income women with chronic health conditions.