“Activities of Older Adults” Survey: Tapping into Student Views of the Elderly

Abstract

This article describes an exercise used in a life span developmental psychology course to tap into undergraduates' perceptions of activities of the elderly. Students were asked to generate items to be included in a hypothetical Activities of Older Adults survey (to be administered to people 65 years and older). Responses from 1,340 students over a 10-year period show a fairly passive and negative view of life after age 65. Suggestions for utilizing this exercise to stimulate discussions about theories of aging and age stereotypes (including ageism) are offered.