Attitudes toward Aging: A Comparative Analysis of Young Adults from the United States and Germany

Abstract

Social and cultural attitudes toward aging provide a framework for assessing one's own aging experiences as well as one's attitudes toward older men and women. Ageism, or prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory practices toward older adults (Butler, 1980), has been found to be widespread around the world. This study focuses on a comparative analysis of the attitudes of young adults from Germany and the United States. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to evaluate similarities and differences in the anxiety associated with four measurable dimensions associated with ageism: fear of old people, psychological concerns associated with aging, concern over changes in physical appearance as a result of aging, and fear of losses associated with aging. The second purpose of this study was to evaluate the age at which young adults from these two countries might consider themselves to be "old." The findings indicate significant country and gender differences across the dimensions. German participants tended to view aging much more negatively than American participants did. However, Americans considered themselves to be "old" at a much younger age than Germans. Gender differences indicated that women in both countries were more concerned with age-related changes in their physical appearance than were men. Analyses of the results are discussed in relation to the influence of ageism and negative cultural stereotypes of aging on people's self-image across the life span.

Attitudes toward older adults: A matter of cultural values or personal values?

“…The individualistic culture (e.g., American culture) due to the endorsement of self-centered satisfaction and interest, as well as freedom and individuality (Wang & Mallinckrodt, 2006), the individualistic culture (e.g., American culture) is increasingly youth-oriented with a negative bias toward older individuals (Barak, Mathur, Lee, & Zhang, 2001;McConatha, Schnell, Volkwein, Riley, & Leach, 2003;Nisbett, 2003). In contrast, Eastern collectivistic cultures (e.g., Chinese culture) are significantly more older-oriented, such that they place a stronger emphasis on honoring and supporting older people, committing oneself to family obligations, social interdependence, and self-sacrifice (Cuddy, Norton, & Fiske, 2005;Markus & Kitayama, 1991;Nisbett, 2003).…”

Attitudes of Social Work Students towards the Ageism

“…Literature review demonstrated that various studies stressed that the attitudes of female students towards ageism were more positive than the attitudes of male students (McConatha and Huba, 1999: 166;McConatha, Schnell, Volkwein, Riley and Leach, 2003;Fitzgerald, Wray, Halter, Williams and Supiano, 2003: 850). Furthermore, a study by Güven, Ucakan Muz and Efe Ertürk (2012: 102) determined that female students had a positive attitude towards the elderly and that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups and the restricting life of the elderly sub-dimension (p<0.05).…”

Age-related stigma and the golden section hypothesis

“…Ageism is a product of society (Angus & Reeve, 2006;Mautner, 2007; McConatha, Hayta, Rieser-Danner, McConatha, & Polat, 2004;McConatha, Schnell, Volkwein, Riley, & Leach, 2003;Nelson, 2002;Palmore, 1990;Stone, 2003;Thomas & Shute, 2006;Yang, Kleinman, Link, Phelan, Lee, & Good, 2007). Accumulated views stem from deep-rooted beliefs, influenced by social, political, and economic factors (Angus & Reeve, 2006;Thomas & Shute, 2006).…”

“…Saucier (2004) stated that "youth is worshipped" (p. 420) in this society, and its prevalence is associated with power and acceptance. The media, magazines, and advertisements are partially responsible for this obsession (Nelson, 2002;McConatha et al, 2004;McConatha et al, 2003;Robinson, Gustafson, & Popovich, 2008;Saucier, 2004). These sources of information unconsciously feed on youthfullooking skin, healthy hair, and muscular or toned physiques.…”