Ageism in Inegöl (Bursa)

The increase in the elderly population in the world and in Turkey started to take place at the end of the 20th century. With the advancement of technology, developments in health systems have led to an increase in the elderly population. While the rate of elderly population in Turkey was 4.2% in 1985, this rate was determined as 10.6% in 2024. In İnegöl district, while the proportion of elderly population was 5.9% in 1985, this rate increased to 8.7% in 2024. The increase in the proportion of the elderly population has both positive and indirect negative effects. One of the negative consequences of this increase is discrimination. The issue of elderly discrimination has come to the agenda with the increase in the elderly population. Age discrimination is one of the types of discrimination such as racism and sexism. This type of discrimination is seen in modernizing societies where industry is developing. This study aims to examine the relationship between the spatial characteristics of İnegöl district and the socio-demographic and socio-economic variables of the participants with elderly discrimination. In accordance with the aim of the study, cross-sectional survey method was applied. The forms of 556 participants were included in this study. Exploratory and exploratory factor analysis was performed on the data collected in the study. As a result of the factor analysis, the scale consisted of 15 items. The subdimensions of the scale were identified as avoidance, stereotype and discrimination. According to the results of ANOVA and T-tests, it was observed that those living in rural areas were more discriminatory. The level of elderly discrimination was analyzed according to the demographic characteristics of the participants. Age status and education level of the individuals caused a significant difference in elderly discrimination. In addition, differences in the economic level of the participants caused elderly discrimination. In addition, the social attitudes and behaviors of the participants revealed discriminatory attitudes towards the elderly.