Dependency Stereotypes and Aging: The Implications for Getting and Giving Help in Later Life

Abstract

Older adults are often stereotyped as dependent on others. This study explored how seeing an older adult receiving help triggers the dependency stereotype, by examining perceptions of older and younger adults helping and being helped by others. Participants (183 younger and older adults) read vignettes of young and old people helping others and rated the helpers and helpees on 2 variables: one a composite of dependency and capability; and the other composed of thoughtfulness, generosity, and unselfishness (i.e., considerateness). Participants rated older helpees as dependent, no matter who helped them. Younger helpers and those who helped the elderly rated high on considerateness. Females rated helpers more positively than did males. Implications of these findings for older adults are discussed.j asp_557 2967..2984

Power Relations and Health Care Communication in Older Adulthood: Educating Recipients and Providers

“…In this regard, older patients are disproportionately at risk for being marginalized. Because they are more likely to be stereotyped as dependent or as possessing diminished capacity simply because of their age (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009), they often start out in a position of amplified disadvantage relative to other actors. Thus, it is crucial that elders and their advocates be adequately prepared to anticipate stereotypical responses, proactively seize the initiative, and ask the kinds of questions that will steer the direction of discourse toward attainment of desired outcomes (Cegala, Street, & Clinch, 2007;Rao et al, 2010).…”

Reciprocity with the Researcher: An Experimental Manipulation to Increase Help-Seeking in Adults 60 and Older

“…The receipt of social support is associated with lower self-esteem and lower positive affect among older men who place a heavy emphasis on independence, but not older women (Nagurney, Reich, & Newsom, 2004). In a mixed age sample, women were found to perceive helpers and help-seeking behavior in a more positive light than men (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009). The authors suggest this may be because women are more likely than men to ask for help and to think that giving help is important (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009).…”

“…In a mixed age sample, women were found to perceive helpers and help-seeking behavior in a more positive light than men (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009). The authors suggest this may be because women are more likely than men to ask for help and to think that giving help is important (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009).…”

“…Aim 3, Hypothesis 4: Linear regressions predicting in-session help-seeking behavior, controlling for age, sex, and experimental group VII. Appendixes seek help are more likely to be viewed as dependent than younger people who seek help (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009). Meisner (2012) suggests that help-seeking behavior may be avoided because it can prime feelings of dependency, resulting in poorer performance on a range of indices.…”

“…Meisner (2012) suggests that help-seeking behavior may be avoided because it can prime feelings of dependency, resulting in poorer performance on a range of indices. Older adults who seek help may be viewed as dependent because of the perception that they have little to give in return (Adams-Price & Morse, 2009). At its extreme, help-seeking may lead to feelings of burdensomeness or the feeling that one is a liability, which has been linked to the desire for suicide (Van Orden, Witte, Gordon, Bender, & Joiner 2008).…”