Intersectionality is the concept that multiple different social characteristics, such as race, age, gender, class, sexuality, and more, all work together to create systems of privilege and discrimination in our society.  Many of these oppressive systems are often intertwined, compounding discrimination.  Specifically, ageism and racism work hand in hand to target older adults of color, resulting in health and economic disparities. 

Taking Foundations of Social Justice at the State University of New York at Fredonia has allowed me to gain much-needed knowledge on inequalities between certain groups in our society.  As a sophomore Social Work major, my future career path will incorporate all demographics of people, including elderly people of color.  The negative impacts of oppression and discrimination they face because of ageism and racism are still blatantly seen here in Western New York.  By choosing the path of Social Work, I must educate myself and bring attention to these issues that will directly impact my future clients.

Older populations receive a compounding force of discrimination through the effects of not only racism, but ageism as well.  Systemic institutionalized racism within health care results in a great lack of trust in those systems from older black populations.  In turn, older people of color are at disproportionate risk for many health concerns.

According to a 2024 article by KFF titled “Five Facts About Older Adults’ Health Care Experiences by Race and Ethnicity,” Black and Hispanic people on Medicare are more likely than White adults to report higher rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, higher rates of hospital admissions, and a greater likelihood of receiving care in the lowest-rated hospitals.  Additionally, “one in seven (15%) older Black adults report experiencing unfair or disrespectful treatment in the past 3 years compared to smaller shares of older White (7%).” 

These statistics prove that systemic racism is still a major issue in our society and greatly impacts the lives of older adults of color. 

These issues can also be seen through the wage gap between White people and people of color.  This imbalance results in older people of color lacking the equity to comfortably survive in their retirement years.  Racism runs through ageism as the economic and social disparities in younger generations showcase themselves in new ways as those generations grow older.  A lack of proper access to education, job opportunities, proper wages, and more causes adverse life experiences for older people of color.  

It’s easy to overlook these issues when talked about in a broad global manner.  However, these statistics directly translate to the Western New York area.  A 2025 study done by The Center for an Urban Future showed that the number of older adults living in poverty has grown exponentially across all races; however, it has impacted Black and other minority groups disproportionately.  The study shows, “in Syracuse, 43.2% of Black older adults live in poverty, in Albany 35.8%, in Erie County 25%, and 26.8% in Buffalo.”  These percentages are more than double that of their White counterparts, showing a clear and distinct pathway of racism inside ageism right here in New York.  

To expand upon the health conditions mentioned above, a 2022 article by Buffalo Toronto Public Media states, “in predominantly Black ZIP codes across New York, the state has deemed certain areas as cancer clusters with life expectancy as low as 60 years old.”  Discrimination and oppression through racism and ageism are so severe that it results in the entire population’s life expectancy decreasing.  In turn, mortality rates such as these will cause greater mental health declines in minority populations, which creates a necessity for well-educated mental health services.

Through my Social Work education, I found this information greatly troubling. Racism and ageism are proven to work hand in hand, causing large disparities in life experiences for older populations of color. 

It is crucial for us as a society to stay informed about these issues and take action against them.  In the health care system, listen and do not impose personal biases that affect quality care.  For all, stay informed on the intersectionality of racism and ageism, and do not shy away from educating others when needed. 

Staying silent helps no one.  It is important that we fight for each other, no matter race or age, to ensure a more equitable and equal society. 

A. Seasaidh Liddell, a SUNY Fredonia student, is a Rochester resident.