Differences in attitudes between younger and older people toward old age. Implications for counselling

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
• A General trends
• B Methods to reduce ageism
• 2.2.2 Local studies of ageism
• A Factors affecting attitudes toward older people
• B Six dimensions in the attitudes toward older people
• 2.3 The image about old and ageing
• 2.4 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
• 4.4 ATTITUDES OF PEOPLE TOWARD OLDER ADULTS
• 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
• 4.7 SUMMARY
• CHAPTER FIVE – DISSCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
• 5.1 INTRODUCTION
• 5.2 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
• 5.3 IMPLICATION OF THIS STUDY

Objectives and Key Themes

The dissertation aims to explore public perceptions of older people in Hong Kong, specifically focusing on differences in attitudes between younger and older generations. The study seeks to understand the prevalence of ageism and its impact on views towards aging and older adults. The key themes addressed in the study include: * **Ageism and its Prevalence**: Examining the extent and nature of ageism in Hong Kong, including how it influences perceptions of older people. * **Intergenerational Differences in Attitudes**: Comparing the attitudes of younger and older generations towards older adults, highlighting potential differences and similarities. * **Factors Influencing Attitudes towards Aging**: Identifying the socio-cultural and individual factors that shape attitudes towards older people, such as education levels, religion, and personal interactions. * **Implications for Counseling**: Exploring how findings on ageism and intergenerational attitudes can inform counseling practices to address ageist biases and promote positive aging experiences.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter One: Introduction

This chapter sets the stage by introducing the problem of ageism and outlining the rationale and significance of the study. It establishes the research objectives and provides a concise overview of the research questions driving the investigation.

Chapter Two: Literature Review

This chapter delves into existing literature on ageism, examining both international and local studies. The review explores the various dimensions of ageism, including the factors that contribute to its prevalence, the image of older people, and the potential methods for reducing ageist attitudes.

Chapter Three: Methodology

This chapter outlines the research design and procedures used in the study, including the choice of a quantitative approach, the characteristics of the participants, and the definition of variables. The chapter also details the hypotheses formulated and the instruments used for data collection.

Chapter Four: Findings

This chapter presents the results of the data analysis, focusing on the response rates, demographic characteristics of the participants, and their attitudes towards older adults. The findings also examine the factors that influence these attitudes, particularly the impact of intergenerational relationships and the role of education.

Chapter Five: Discussion & Recommendations

This chapter offers a critical discussion of the findings, interpreting the results in light of existing literature and providing recommendations for reducing ageism in Hong Kong society. The discussion emphasizes the need for education, intergenerational activities, and positive aging programs to foster more positive attitudes towards older adults.

Keywords

The primary keywords and focal points of this dissertation are: ageism, attitudes, older people, younger people, intergenerational differences, education, counseling, intergenerational activities, positive aging programs, Hong Kong. These keywords encapsulate the key themes and concepts explored in the study, highlighting the central role of ageism and its impact on perceptions, attitudes, and the importance of promoting positive aging experiences through intervention strategies.

Details

• Veranstaltung: Master of Social Science in Counselling
• Note: Distinction
• Autor: Tak Ming Yu (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2006
• Seiten: 81
• Katalognummer: V284314
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656840558
• ISBN (Buch): 9783656840565
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: differences implications