Grey hair, bright minds

ageism and reflections in the academic context

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12662/2359-618xregea.v14i3.p115-130.2025

Keywords:

academic experiences, ageism, higher education, intergenerationality, 40+ population

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the academic experiences of students aged 40 and over in a city located in the countryside of the state of Piauí. The study adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students from different programs. Data analysis was conducted through interpretative thematic analysis with support from the ATLAS.ti software. The results indicate a predominance of ageist attitudes from younger students and a lack of discussion on the topic within the academic environment, contributing to the marginalization and stigmatization of older students. Participants reported social interaction challenges, although the exchange of experiences among different age groups was viewed positively. The study contributes to the academic debate on ageism in higher education by offering relevant insights into age diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, it provides support for the development of institutional policies that promote awareness and intergenerational engagement in educational settings.

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Author Biographies

Maria Alicya Araújo, Federal University of Piauí

Graduada em Administração pela Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Amílcar Ferreira Sobral. Floriano - Piauí - BR.

Leonardo Victor de Sá Pinheiro, Federal University of Piauí

Doutor em Psicologia pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Professor efetivo da Universidade Federal do Piauí - UFPI, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela. Teresina - Piauí - BR.

Mauricio Mendes Boavista de Castro, Universidade Federal do Piauí

Doutor em Administração pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba.  Professor efetivo da Universidade Federal do Piauí - UFPI, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portela. Teresina - Piauí - BR.

Published

2025-10-20

How to Cite

ARAÚJO, Maria Alicya; PINHEIRO, Leonardo Victor de Sá; CASTRO, Mauricio Mendes Boavista de. Grey hair, bright minds: ageism and reflections in the academic context. Journal Of Management Analysis, Fortaleza, v. 14, n. 3, p. 115–130, 2025. DOI: 10.12662/2359-618xregea.v14i3.p115-130.2025. Disponível em: https://periodicos.unichristus.edu.br/gestao/article/view/5816. Acesso em: 21 sep. 2026.

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Section

ARTICLES