Images of Aging in Institutionalized and Non-Institutionalized Elderly People

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare images and stereotypes of aging in institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly people. This is a descriptive study using a survey. Method: The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire and the ImAges scale. A total of 120 elderly people, aged between 65 and 99 years, participated in this study. Results: Statistically significant differences were found, for the scale's three factors, between institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults. In the factor "dependence, sadness and old-fashioned", the institutionalized participants presented a higher number of negative images and stereotypes (M = 51.8; DP = 6.01) than the non-institutionalized participants (M = 49.0; DP = 7.85), these differences were significant (t(118) = -2.16; p < 0.05). In the "maturity, activity and affectivity" factor, there were also significant differences (t(118) = 2.04; p < 0.05), the non-institutionalized participants present higher rates of positive images and stereotypes (M = 20.2; DP = 3.28), when compared to institutionalized participants (M = 19.0; DP = 3.310). Conclusion:The results suggested that institutionalized older adults presented more negative aging images than non-institutionalized.

The social dynamics of devaluation in an aged care context

“…What impact do these homogenising and marginalising constructions have on aged care workers and clients? Aged care clients have been found to internalise their objectification (Lopes et al, 2012). Their own sense of self can be supplanted by someone else's view, adversely affecting their identity and daily lives (Lopes et al, 2012).…”

“…Aged care clients have been found to internalise their objectification (Lopes et al, 2012). Their own sense of self can be supplanted by someone else's view, adversely affecting their identity and daily lives (Lopes et al, 2012). Lopes et al (2012) found that older adults may accept and internalise negative constructions, leading to reduced self-esteem and self-efficacy and, more concretely, to poorer performance in memory tasks.…”

“…Their own sense of self can be supplanted by someone else’s view, adversely affecting their identity and daily lives (Lopes et al, 2012). Lopes et al (2012) found that older adults may accept and internalise negative constructions, leading to reduced self-esteem and self-efficacy and, more concretely, to poorer performance in memory tasks. Laliberte Rudman’s (2015) informants expressed self-blame and self-deprecation, and alluded to plans for greater self-discipline and responsibility.…”

Self-reported Morbidities, Nutritional Characteristics, and associated factors in Institutionalized and Non-Institutionalized Elderly

“…Although both groups tend to associate old age with chronic diseases and disabilities, institutionalized elders seem to experience the aging process in a bad way and become increasingly socially and emotionally isolated [9]. However, for non-institutionalized elders, old age seems to be related with activity, freedom, autonomy and the socialization phase as a time to make new friends [9].…”

Self-reported morbidities, nutritional characteristics, and associated factors in institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults

“…Some studies have shown the differences between institutionalized and non-institutionalized elders. Although both groups tend to associate old age with chronic diseases and disabilities, institutionalized elders seem to experience the aging process in a bad way and become increasingly socially and emotionally isolated [ 9 ]. However, for non-institutionalized elders, old age seems to be related with activity, freedom, autonomy and the socialization phase as a time to make new friends [ 9 ].…”