Attitudes of the Young toward the Old: A Review of Research

Attitude Toward Old People: The Impact of an Intergenerational Program

“…Other research suggests that attitudes formed as a result of direct experience are a better predictor of behavior than attitudes formed through indi- rect experience (Fazio & Zanna, 1981;Regan & Fazio, 1977). Researchers have generally concluded that spontaneous, intimate, but brief, contact correlates with more positive attitudes toward old people (Bennett, 1976;Drake, 1957;Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969;Tuckman & Lorge, 1958).…”

“…However, not all educational intervention programs achieve their desired goal of improving attitudes. Educational programs that focus on the problems of old age frequently result in negative-attitude change (Bennett, 1976;Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969). Similarly, problem-focused curriculum and exposure only to frail, old people produces negative attitudes.…”

Aging Education: A National Imperative

“…and illustrates why lifelong learning about aging is essential. The imperative for aging education is reinforced by the fact that research since the 1950's has shown that even young children reflect society's ageist attitudes (Bennett, 1976;Brahce, 1975;Goldman & Goldman, 1981;Hickey, Hickey, & Kalish, 1968;Jantz, Seefeldt, Galper, & Serock, 1976;Kupetz, 1994;Lorge, Tuckman, & Abrams, 1954;McGuire, 1988a). As early as preschool, children use ageist language and exhibit ambivalent attitudes toward older people (Burke, 1981;McGuire, 1993a;Treybig, 1974).…”

“…As early as preschool, children use ageist language and exhibit ambivalent attitudes toward older people (Burke, 1981;McGuire, 1993a;Treybig, 1974). By early adolescence these ageist attitudes become difficult to change (Bennett, 1976;Burke, 1981;Ivester & King, 1977, Lorge, Tuckman, & Abrams, 1954Trent, Glass & Crockett, 1979).…”

A study of professional attitudes towards older people within an interprofessional context

“…However, it also suggested that the attitudes of staff towards older people could affect the way in which work was prioritised and so limit the success of interprofessional collaboration (Henwood, 199 1;Bennett, 1980;Bowling and Formby, 1991). A major component of the study was, therefore, to question whether criteria for the referral of older people for community services was indeed affected by attitudes to ageing, whether these attitudes were discriminatory against them and, if so, what did this suggest about the success of interprofessional collaboration in this field of work.…”