A Qualitative Study of Gender Differences in Ageing Experience in Tehran City

This research presents a narration of  gender differences in elderly to understand multiple experiences using a critical and feminist gerontology theory. The qualitative method using semi-structured interview technique was used and  the voice and narration of elderlies in Tehran was listened (42 elderly). Finally, interview data were coded and categorized using thematic analysis method. Research results have shown that gender differences in aging depends on differences in economic capital (family assets ownership, job opportunity, retirement and income independence, economic responsibility), cultural and symbolic capital (education, cultural skills, health literacy, social status and social credibility, social capital (social relations, family capital) and health capital (physical health, psychological health, sexual health and social health) of the elderly men and women. Hence, ageing is not an identical experience among men and women and can be different experiences based on access to the capitals or inequality of the capitals. Accumulation of these capitals in the life course is based on gender differences and finally, these accumulated capitals make ageing life different between men and women.