Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v30i3.2017
Age stereotypes and the position of own age group from the perspective of older persons
Lea Skokandić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0888-3621
; Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Age stereotypes and meta-stereotypes about older persons represent personal and socially conditioned generalised assumptions about what older persons should be like, how they should act and what will they probably experience as members of that age group, not taking into consideration individual differences among them. Current understanding points to numerous adverse effects of self-stereotyping, stereotyping and ageism on self-understanding, self-efficacy, health and welfare of older persons. Due to a lack of knowledge of the experience of the position of older persons in our society and their view on typical members of their age group, this research aimed to gain deeper insight through using qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews included 40 respondents from a younger group of older persons. Qualitative analysis of the content of statements determined the stereotypes that the respondents have about physical appearance, psycho-physical characteristics and behaviours connected to social relationships of older persons. The position of older persons in society is mostly experienced as unfavourable and socially excluded by the state and society.
Keywords
age stereotypes; ageism; older persons; qualitative approach
Hrčak ID:
315634
URI
Publication date:
1.3.2024.
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