Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ageism is considered as one of the consequences of the industrialization of societies, which appears in various forms in different cultures. This study aimed to explain the process of formation of ageism among the older adults people. METHODS: The research was conducted using grounded theory method. Data were collected from 28 participants using in-depth semi-structured interviews and field notes. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS: Fear of loneliness and rejection striving to tackle ageism "was identified as the core category of the study. Concepts such as "family context" and "cultural context" were relevant. After identifying the strategies used by the older adults in response to the context ("maintaining integrity", "socio-cultural care" and "proper health care", "striving to tackle ageism") was the most important process in ageism by the Iranian older adults. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicated that individual, family and social factors play an important role in the process of ageism among the older adults. These factors sometimes exacerbate or moderate the process of ageism. By recognizing these factors, various social institutions and organizations (including the health care system and the national media (radio and television)) can help the older adults achieve successful aging by emphasizing the issues related to the social aspect.