Intersectional perspectives on vulnerability: Analysing layers of anxiety disorders in older adults

Abstract Old age and ageing has a predominantly negative connotation in societies of the Global North. Not only is it strongly associated with physical and mental decline but older people are often perceived as inherently vulnerable. The label of vulnerability associated with old age draws a homogenous picture of this population group and disguises the complexity of ageing. Furthermore, it conceals the impact of positive and negative experiences throughout the life course and social categories, such as gender, race or class on ageing. In this paper, we aim to develop an analytical approach to deepen the ethical understanding of vulnerabilities in the context of the diversity of older age, including aspects such as gender, migration, and mental health. By combining the approach of layers of vulnerability with the feminist concept of intersectionality, we focus on how the inclusion of intersectionality can support the analysis of layers of vulnerability (as proposed by Luna) at a theoretical and descriptive level for the group of older people with anxiety disorders. Using the example of anxiety disorders in old age, we examine how categories of difference and inequality intersect to shape vulnerabilities in later life. Our findings reveal that gender, socio-economic background, and migration history influence the experiences of older adults with anxiety disorders significantly, introducing various layers of vulnerability. This critical evaluation facilitates more targeted and effective interventions to address vulnerabilities in older age, ultimately contributing to a nuanced understanding of vulnerability and improving care strategies for the very heterogeneous group of older adults.