Social representations and normative beliefs of aging.

Tatiana De Lucena Torres,Brigido Vizeu Camargo,Antônia Oliveira Silva,Andréa Barbará Boulsfield

doi:10.1590/1413-812320152012.01042015

Abstract

This study adopted the theory of social representations as a theoretical framework in order to characterize similarities and differences in social representations and normative beliefs of aging for different age groups. The 638 participants responded to self-administered questionnaire and were equally distributed by sex and age. The results show that aging is characterized by positive stereotypes (knowledge and experience); however, retirement is linked to aging, but in a negative way, particularly for men, involving illness, loneliness and disability. When age was considered, it was verified that the connections with the representational elements became more complex for older groups, showing social representation functionality, largely for the elderly. Adulthood seems to be preferred and old age is disliked. There were divergences related to the perception of the beginning of life phases, especially that of old age. Work was characterized as the opposite of aging, and it revealed the need for actions intended for the elderly and retired workers, with post-retirement projects. In addition, it suggests investment in public policies that encourage intergenerational contact, with efforts to reduce intolerance and discrimination based on age of people.

Highlights

There are differences on the orientation of the linearity of aging in the life cycle, but there is consensus that aging is characterized as a process while old age is characterized as a stage of development
On evaluating the structure of social representation of aging considering the variables: age group and sex; it is noted that the above elements do not change and continue organizing and centralizing other elements connections, they are elements that are part of the shared content between groups
Aging is represented by pathological and negative outlook that relates to the element “retirement”, indicating how the “loss” of the work is linked to the loss of health, of the contacts social and physical ability

Summary

Introduction

There are differences on the orientation of the linearity of aging in the life cycle, but there is consensus that aging is characterized as a process while old age is characterized as a stage of development. Old age is commonly defined by chronological age (from 60 years) there are psychological, functional, biological ages[1]. Chronological age does not consider factors such as gender and social class, but it is an important indicator for the assessment of functional capacity. The aging process is determined by multiple factors and reaches greater extent in old age phase. There are some physical and cognitive losses related to the stage of old age, especially concerning muscle tone, hearing and ortomuscular resistance, and possible difficulties in memory capacities, language and attention[1]

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Conclusion