The main purpose of this study was to examine the general public’s perception on older people. Based on this theme, five research questions were identified. 1) What are the attitudes of younger and older people toward elderly?, 2) Are older peoples’ attitudes toward themselves being influenced by prevailing ageism views?, 3) What are the predictors of ageism?, 4) Do the interaction between younger and older people influences the attitudes toward older people?, and 5) What are the implications of the above research findings toward older people for counselling?. Based on these questions, five hypotheses were developed. No significant difference was found between the attitudes of younger and older people toward the latter. In terms of concept and image about older people, older people tend to see themselves more negative than younger people. People with higher educational levels, younger age and religion tend to score a higher value of FAQ than people with lower educational levels, older age and non-religious. People with higher educational levels, younger age and religion tend to form more positive image toward older people than people with low lower educational levels, older age and non-religious. People with more interaction with older adults tend to have higher scores on FAQ. Basically all the hypotheses were rejected, but this study did make several contributions to the study of ageism in Hong Kong. First, this study found that attitudes of younger students toward older adults were more negative than older people. Students’ attitudes toward older people were dominated by negative ageism views and image; whereas, older peoples’ attitudes toward older adults were mixed with both negative and positive ageism views. It was suggested in this study, attitudes of people toward older adults have to be analyzed from three perspectives, namely ageism, image about older people and attitudes toward caring in order to generate more precise pictures about ageism. Finally, the study suggested that education, intergenerational activities and positive ageing programs could be used to reduce ageism in our societies.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE PROBLEM
1.2 RATIONALE FOR THIS STUDY
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDIES
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 MEANING OF AGEISM
2.2 OVERVIEW OF AGEISM STUDIES
2.2.1 International studies of ageism
2.2.2 Local studies of ageism
2.3 KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AGEISM FROM THE LITERATURE REVIEW
2.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 REASONS FOR CHOOSING QUANTITATIVE METHOD
3.3 GENERAL DESIGN AND PROCEDURES
3.3.1 Characteristics of the participants
3.3.2 Definition of variables
3.3.3 Hypotheses
3.3.4 Instrument selection
3.3.5 Procedures
3.4 LIMITATION AND STRENGTH OF THE STUDY
CHAPTER FOUR - FINDINGS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 RESPONSE RATES
4.3 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
4.3.1 Intergenerational relationships - students
4.3.2 Intergenerational relationships – older people
4.4 ATTITUDES OF PEOPLE TOWARD OLDER ADULTS
4.4.1 Cognitive component of attitudes toward elderly
4.4.2 Affective component of attitudes toward older people
4.4.3 Behavioural component of attitudes toward older people
4.5 FACTORS AFFECTING ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEOPLE
4.5.1 Correlation analysis
4.5.2 Regression analysis of predictor variables
4.6 INTERACTION AS THE PREDICTION OF REDUCTION OF AGEISM
4.6.1 Student respondents
4.6.2 Older respondents
4.7 SUMMARY
CHAPTER FIVE – DISSCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.3 IMPLICATION OF THIS STUDY
5.3.1 Education for younger people
5.3.2 Intergenerational Activities
5.3.3 Positive ageing programs
CHAPTER SIX – CONCLUSIONS
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the general public's perception of older people and the existence of ageism in Hong Kong. By examining attitudes across different age cohorts, the research seeks to understand the influence of ageism on both younger and older individuals, identify predictors of ageist attitudes, evaluate the role of intergenerational interaction, and provide actionable implications for counseling practice.
- Analysis of ageist perceptions among younger and older demographics.
- Evaluation of cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of attitudes toward the elderly.
- Investigation of socio-demographic predictors of ageism.
- Impact of intergenerational interaction on attitude formation and change.
- Development of strategies to reduce ageism through education and intergenerational programs.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 THE PROBLEM
Ageism like racism or sexism is particularly prevalent in youth-oriented societies like United States (Aiken, 2002). Ageism suggested a discrimination against people simply because they are old (Butler, 1974; Palmore, 1999). Studies found that ageism is commonly associated with perceiving older people with declining physical health, socially isolated and more stubborn. These attitudes make people believe that older people are unique and different from people in other age groups.
Studies found that younger and older people’s attitudes toward older adults were different (Chow, 1997; Law, 1982). The major finding in these studies was that older people viewed themselves more negative than younger people (Chow, 1997). Why do older people have negative images about themselves? Whether these images are reflection of a stereotyped social attitude toward old age or an actual experience of older people about getting old and ageing in Hong Kong? Palmore (1999) suggested that this is due to the acceptance of negative stereotypes by older people. These stereotypes form the negative beliefs about old which trigger individual’s negative attitudes toward older adults. At societal level, aggregation of peoples’ negative attitudes toward old and ageing develop discriminating behaviours toward older people.
At individual level, Victor (2005) suggested that widespread acceptance of negative stereotype about ageing and old was problematic, because people base on incorrect knowledge to think about old. As a result, knowledge about old and ageing is not a true reflection of the realities of ageing. In this light, it is worth examining what kinds of factors contribute to the construction of negative attitudes toward older people. Based on the research findings, recommendations could be proposed to reduce ageism in Hong Kong.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the problem of ageism, its societal prevalence, and the specific research objectives focused on examining attitudes toward the elderly in Hong Kong.
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews the theoretical background of ageism, summarizes international and local studies, and explores existing research on methods to mitigate ageism.
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY: This chapter outlines the quantitative research design, detailing the participant selection process, instrument development, and procedural steps for data collection.
CHAPTER FOUR - FINDINGS: This chapter presents the statistical analysis of the collected data, including demographic profiles, attitude components, and the predictors of ageist views.
CHAPTER FIVE – DISSCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter analyzes the research findings in the context of the initial hypotheses and proposes practical recommendations for education, intergenerational activities, and counseling.
CHAPTER SIX – CONCLUSIONS: This chapter synthesizes the main findings, highlights the study's contributions to social gerontology, and provides final thoughts on the future of aging in Hong Kong.
Keywords
Ageism, elderly, quantitative research, Hong Kong, intergenerational interaction, attitude, stereotype, Fact on Ageing Quiz (FAQ), Aging Semantic Differential (ASD), cognitive component, affective component, behavioral component, counseling, positive ageing, social gerontology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The research focuses on examining the general public's perception of older people in Hong Kong and investigating the prevalence and nature of ageism across different age groups.
What are the primary areas of research investigated?
The study centers on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of attitudes toward older adults, as well as the impact of intergenerational relationships on these perceptions.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to determine the attitudes of younger versus older people toward the elderly, explore the predictors of ageism, and assess whether intergenerational interaction leads to more positive perceptions.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The author employed a quantitative approach, using a survey-based questionnaire method to gather data from students and older individuals, which was then statistically analyzed.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers a literature review on ageism, a detailed explanation of the research methodology, a comprehensive presentation of survey findings, and a discussion of implications for counseling and policy.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include ageism, intergenerational interaction, attitudes, social gerontology, positive ageing, and Hong Kong context.
How do the attitudes of younger students differ from those of older respondents?
The findings indicate that younger students hold more negative perceptions and are more influenced by stereotypes, whereas older respondents demonstrate a mixture of positive and negative attitudes based on their lived experiences.
What is the impact of intergenerational contact according to this study?
The study highlights that frequent contact, particularly face-to-face interaction, is a significant factor in fostering more positive perceptions of older adults, although it may not directly increase general knowledge about aging.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Tak Ming Yu (Autor:in), 2006, Differences in attitudes between younger and older people toward old age. Implications for counselling, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284314
