Perception Of Old Age Research Articles

Psychological Well-Being and Self-Aging Attitudes Moderate the Association between Subjective Age and Age Discrimination in the Workplace.

Views of aging include peoples' assessment of their own aging process and their subjective age. Positive views of aging relate to a improved psychological well-being which predicts better physical and mental health. While these relationships were substantially studied, the moderating roles of self-aging attitudes and psychological well-being in the subjective age-age discrimination connection have been much less explored. The current study used a convenience sample of 568 participants (mean = 66.21y, SD = 11.95, age range 50-95), 55.8% women, 67.1% employed. In line with the hypotheses, young subjective age and psychological well-being were connected to less age discrimination in the workplace, and higher psychological well-being mitigated the subjective age-age discrimination at work connection. When the perception of old age as a period of loss was added to the model, adults who perceived old age as a period of loss and reported lower levels of psychological well-being demonstrated the strongest relationship between an increase in subjective age and an increase in age-related discrimination at work. The findings emphasize the importance of the psychological well-being of older employees as a resource for improving their attitudes towards their last years at work.

Semantic dynamics of the lexeme ‘pensioner’ in Russian linguistic culture

Socio-economic changes, reforms of the pension system have transformed the perception of old age by Russian language native speakers. The authors deal with the dynamics of the semantic volume of the lexeme ‘pensioner’, caused by the above-mentioned extra-linguistic factors. The aim of the study is to describe the semantic transformation of the lexeme ‘pensioner’ representing the concepts ‘pensioner’, ‘pension’ and ‘old age’. The material of the research was the data of the National Corpus of the Russian Language for the period from 1995 to 2021, lexicographic sources, data of the associative experiment, which identified the conceptual, value-oriented and image-bearing components of the concepts ‘pensioner’, ‘pension’ and ‘old age’. The method of analysis and generalization of linguistic material from lexicographic sources, associative experiment, and the method of component analysis were used. The analysis of verbal elements reflecting cultural, traditional and value representations of Russian language speakers presented the dynamics of the semantics of the lexeme ‘pensioner’, its semantic transformation, which reflects changes in the Russian linguistic world picture. Semantic merisms identified as a result of contrastive analysis of potential associations allowed to present the semantic volume of the word considering the extra-linguistic data. As a result, the data were obtained, which can be used in lexicographic sources when defining the lexeme ‘pensioner’. Theoretical and practical approaches to modeling of Russian linguistic-cultural concepts are generalized. This reveals cultural and moral dominants of Russian language speakers and sacred meanings of the Russian culture.

»Kako postanemo stari?« Hrepenenje po mladosti, zdravju in dolgem življenju v 19. in 20. stoletju

The article discusses the changes in the perception of old age and ageing since the end of the 18th century when this phenomenon transformed from a natural and self-evident process leading to imminent death and transition to eternity to a problem for which a solution had to be found through medicalisation and pathologisation. The methods for prolonging life and tackling the issues involved in ageing have remained almost unchanged since Hippocrates and Galen, except that at the beginning of the 20th century, in addition to a healthy lifestyle and the avoidance of vices, it also became possible to influence the course of aging with the help of various (pseudo-)scientific methods that aroused a great deal of optimism and hope. The article describes the most popular medical and surgical methods promising life extension and eternal youth, the dubious preparations of healers that spread thanks to advertising, and points out the specific nature of the information available to Slovenian readers.

O ANALIZĂ A UNOR LUCRĂRI DE REFERINȚĂ PRIVIND CONSECINȚELE STEREOTIPURILOR ȘI PREJUDECĂȚILOR LEGATE DE VÂRSTNIC

As individuals age, they face increasing vulnerability, compounded by negative stereotypes associated with aging and perceived health decline, contributing to an overall negative perception of old age (Bugental și Hehman, 2007). This systematic review investigates the consequences of age-related stereotypes and prejudices over a 10-year period (2010–2020). Analyzing specialized literature, it uncovers evidence on how stereotypes impact mental health, performance, memory, driving skills, and sexual activity, significantly affecting well-being, cognitive decline, and exerting notable neurological impacts. This study explores implications at individual and organizational levels, emphasizing the integration of older individuals into diverse groups for enhanced well-being and increased productivity. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting positive aging narratives, and implementing targeted interventions, such as educational programs and intergenerational interactions, to foster inclusivity and combat ageism in society. Acknowledging and addressing these issues can contribute to creating a more respectful, supportive, and age-friendly environment.

Stereotypes in young adults of a community towards old age

Introduction: old age is a stage of life that begins at the age of 65, a natural physiological process that all human beings go through. Negative stereotypes affect older adults, impacting their physical and emotional well-being and influencing the attitudes of younger generations.Objective: to evaluate the perception that young adults in a community have towards old age.Methods: research with a quantitative approach, non-experimental transversal design of descriptive scope, the sample was of 133 people between 20 and 39 years old, residents of the Ambatillo parish, La Esperanza neighborhood, the negative stereotypes towards old age questionnaire (CENVE) was applied, the results were tabulated in the SPSS statistical program and the bioethical aspects indicated in the Helsinki declaration were respected.Results: young adults showed positive stereotypes 57,1 % and negative stereotypes 42,9 %. The health, personal character and social motivation dimensions of the questionnaire emphasized a positive perception in the respondents. A 76,7 % of the sample mentioned that they had not heard of stereotypes towards old age. Conclusion: women showed a more positive inclination than men, age, marital status and level of education also influenced the perception of old age. Finally, we could assert that people with negative stereotypes have limited information since a significant percentage mentioned that they had not heard about stereotypes towards old age

Aging in contemporary India: A qualitative inquiry

ABSTRACT India is aging. The growth of India’s older population has increased our concerns about their well-being. While it is critical to explore the diverse needs and aging experience of older Indians, their voices are largely missing in the aging literature. In this context, data was collected from 63 community-dwelling and OAH residing older men and women of Delhi NCR to understand their aging experience, views about old age and perceived need for government intervention in old age care and support. Reflexive thematic analysis of their aging experience and perception of old age generated five themes and six sub-themes: The aging body encompassing three sub-themes “the older we become the more diseases we have”, “the ointment called positive thinking”, “women’s quest for self-care”; Psychological gains and social losses; Affiliation, distraction and anticipation; The aging parent and the adult child comprising three sub-themes “filial relations—quality and quantity”, “children these days and their mobile phones”, “our daughter shows us more love and care”; and A time for religious and spiritual devotion. Lastly, the analysis of their perceived need for government support in old age care generated five sub-themes – Political cynicism, I was a private employee but am I not a part of this country? Government or Private Hospitals: A no-win situation, Everyday life and Reforms in OAHs. The present findings highlight the multidimensional and multidirectional experience of aging and the diverse needs of older persons in the Indian context.

Perception of old age versus saving in Employee Capital Plans

Perception of old age versus saving in Employee Capital Plans

Yaşlı Bireylerde Yaşlılık Algısı ve Ölüm Kaygısı

Öz
 Yaşlılık, pek çok değişim ve sorunun yaşandığı çok yönlü ve karmaşık bir süreçtir. Bu süreç kendi içerisinde birçok özelliği ve değişimi barındırdığı için tek ve genel bir tanımı bulunmamakta ve farklı şekillerde tanımlanmaktadır. Yaşlılığın çok yönlü ve karmaşık bir süreç olmasıyla bağlantılı olarak yaşlılık algısı da bireyin deneyimlediği yaşlılık dönemine göre farklılık göstermektedir. Yaşlılık algısı, bireylerin yaşlanma sürecini nasıl değerlendirdiğini ve yaşlılıkla ilgili düşüncelerini içerirken, ölüm ise yaşamın doğal bir sonucu olarak kabul edilen son dönemdir. Yaşlılık algısı, bireylerin kendi yaşlanma süreçlerini nasıl değerlendirdiklerini ve yaşlılıkla ilgili kaygılarını içermektedir. Pozitif bir yaşlılık algısı, yaşlı bireylerin daha sağlıklı bir yaşam sürmelerine yardımcı olabilirken, olumsuz bir yaşlılık algısı, yaşlıların yaşam kalitesini önemli ölçüde etkileyebilmektedir. Yaşlılık algısı ve ölüm, her birey için farklı deneyimler ve duygular yaratabilir. Bazıları yaşlılığı ve ölümü olumlu bir şekilde kabul ederken, diğerleri için bunlar kabul edilmesi ve içselleştirilmesi zor süreçlerdir. Bu çalışmada ise yaşlı bireylerin yaşlılık algıları ve ölüme karşı tutumları ortaya çıkarılarak yaşlılık algısı ve ölüm düşüncesi arasında nasıl bir ilişki olduğu incelenmektedir. Bu kapsamda Elâzığ ilinde ikamet eden 50 yaşlı bireyle yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılarak mülakatlar yapılmış ve değerlendirmeler tablolar yardımıyla yorumlanmıştır.

Starość między mitem a historią (chłopska rzeczywistość od połowy XIX w. do 1939 r.)

Old age between myth and history (peasant reality from the mid-nineteenth century until 1939) The article deals with the reception of old age in folk culture. In terms of its content, it can be placed between history and ethnology. The author analyses the perception of old age in peasant culture in the post-emancipation period until the outbreak of the Second World War. His interdisciplinary analysis is based on modern historical and anthropological findings. Polish historians became interested in the history of old age in our times, although a major turn in the study of the phenomenon came in the 1980s in connection with research conducted by the authors of the Annales school. The present author stresses the placing of peasants’ old age in magical culture, its existence in myth. He focuses on demographic determinants, before moving to the reception of old age between loneliness and community, and pointing out that of importance in its reception was the stigma alienating this age group. It is harder to speak of positive old age in the case of old people. The space in which seniors were present was daily life. This element of reality is confirmed by life contracts — rarely analysed by historians — concluded between seniors and their children inheriting their farmsteads. Comparing the practices from the inter-war period, the author juxtaposes two regions contrasting in terms of their traditions of inheritance: Wielkopolska and Małopolska. He cites fragments of life contracts from the border region between Kuiavia and Wielkopolska, and refers to last wills as well as registers of deaths. In the conclusion the author confirms the thesis that among peasants old age was perceived in terms of thinking that was both binary and extreme; he observes that there was a noticeable weakening of violence against seniors, and a limitation of brutality as well as its condemnation in the social discourse. In addition, he points to a growing tabooisation of old age, typical of modern culture.

Perception of Old Age and Institutions for the Elderly among the Inhabitants of Beirut, Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Myths and stereotypes are associated with old age, sometimes depicting a negative image. Some people perceive old age as a sign of wisdom, while others consider old age a decline in independence. This study aims to explore the perceptions, opinions, and attitudes toward old age and institutions for the elderly using a representative sample of the inhabitants of Beirut. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 400 individuals were questioned, of whom 7% were aged 65 years and older. The mean age that was considered old age was 64.23 years. Most of the respondents (89%) expressed worry when thinking about old age. The most prominent worries were health concerns (38.4%) and the loss of autonomy (23.7%). Despite a positive perception of homes for the elderly, only 3.5% had an elderly relative in such institutions. A total of 33.5% of the respondents agreed to pay for the services in such institutions, and 28.3% suggested an increase in compulsory levies to improve the care of people in such institutions. Conclusions: The respondents had a negative perception of old age, which was marked by pessimism about their health and autonomy. This indicates an urgent need for action to improve people’s perceptions and attitudes toward old age.

Estereotipos negativos asociados a la vejez en los estudiantes de Enfermería chilenos y mexicanos. Efecto de la asignatura «Enfermería Geronto-Geriátrica»

IntroductionThe various problems presented by older people with vulnerability factors can be solved from a preventive approach through education that highlights the positive aspects of aging, which are often minimized due to stereotypes and prejudices associated with age present in society. and that influence the perception of old age and the elderly by professionals and future professionals who care for the elderly. MethodologyDescriptive within-subject study of repeated measures (before and after) to evaluate the impact of the Geriatric Nursing course on undergraduate Nursing students in 2019. The census-type sample was carried out based on the total number of students who were studying the subject, 52 sixth-semester students in Mexico and 68 seventh-semester students in Chile. Data collection was carried out in both countries at the beginning and end of the subject, through an instrument with sociodemographic questions and the CENVE Questionnaire to measure the level of stereotypes associated with old age presented by students.Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, the reliability test of the instrument was also carried out by means of Cronbach's Alpha. To carry out this research, the approval of the Ethics and Research Commissions of the selected educational institutions in both countries was obtained. ResultsWhen comparing the results between Chile and Mexico, a descriptive difference was observed between Mexico (x=40.76) and Chile (x=34.62) in the evaluation at the beginning of the subject and in the post-intervention measurement, in Mexican students (x =41.04, SD=5.90) and Chileans (x=30.09; SD=7.05), the Mexican students presented “high negative stereotypes” and the Chilean students “low stereotypes” according to the cut-off points of the instrument.The two-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant interaction between Nation/Time (F=6.439, p=.012), showing that Chile has greater positive effects in its course to reduce negative stereotypes in nursing students than Mexico. ConclusionsThe positive effect of teaching the subject of Geriatric nursing in the training of future nursing professionals was empirically verified, being an effective intervention to reduce negative stereotypes about aging, old age, and the elderly.

‘I am not who I was’: Old age and masculinity in Maximianus Etruscus' elegies

The Elegies of Maximianus Etruscus (sixth century CE) are first-person narratives in which the poet writes about the life cycle, making love and sex the building blocks of the story. Through his failed relationships with different women, Maximianus talks about the perception of his aging, especially the changes in his body and his eroticism, and the progressive loss of masculinity that to him comes with old age. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between old age and gender in Maximianus' elegies from a double perspective: the perception of old age itself as a unique and personal fact, and age and masculinity as interacting social constructions that are historically constructed. We will address issues such as the emotions linked to aging, the representation of old age as a living death, the relationship of masculinity with sexuality and the importance of erection. Finally, we will place Maximianus' poems within their historical context, analyzing how they can be interpreted as a metaphor for the period in which its author lived, in which old age and loss of power symbolized the disappearance of the Ostrogothic kingdom of Italy and, in general, the end of the Roman Empire. A literary exercise but also a life story, this set of six elegies allows us to approach the social construction of gender and age in Late Antiquity.

Comparing the Perception of Patterns of Aging in Adolescents and Young Adults Based on Grounded Theory

Objectives The current study was conducted to compare the perceptions of aging between young and adolescent individuals. The perception of aging is defined as the individual’s perception of one’s aging in their socio-cultural context. This concept subsumes all aspects of consciousness, perception, experience, assessment, interpretation, and cognition related to the process of aging. Methods & Materials This qualitative study was carried out according to the grounded theory methods in 2019 in Tehran, Iran. A total of 20 young (10 males) and 17 adolescent (8 females) participants were selected by purposive sampling, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. Results 121 concepts were selected, of which 83 were from interviews with adolescents and 37 from the young. After analysis and categorization of concepts, 32 subcategories were found, including 18 related to adolescents and 14 related to the young, and 5 main categories, with 3 and 2 categories related to adolescents and the young. Conclusion In comparing the pattern of perception of old age in adolescents and young people, although in terms of frequency and semantic diversity of categories, slight differences are observed in these two groups in terms of the process of formation and movement of the final pattern, no distinction is seen between the two groups.

Profiguration, Active Ageing, and Creativity: Keys for Quality of Life and Overcoming Ageism.

This article is based on qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups conducted with participants enrolled in the Senior Programme of the University of Lleida, the City Council of Lleida, and care homes, as well as professional workers in the field of gerontology and related areas. It presents the analysis of interviews focused on the participants’ life trajectories, ageing, creativity, self-perception, and quality of life. The study aimed to examine how creativity influences the maintenance and improvement of a sense of wellbeing in older adults, and to reflect on how the perception of old age and of oneself changes through creative activity and active engagement across the life span. The article is framed within a new concept in sociology and the social sciences—‘profiguration’, which is the key element in the promotion and strengthening of intergenerational interdependence, education, wellbeing, social participation, and active ageing.

Young people’s perception of old age and elderly people: Attitudes of Novi Sad university students

The paper presents the findings of a study that included 29 graduate year students of the Faculties of Sciences (Geography Department), Law and Medicine of the University of Novi Sad. Three focus groups discussed the students? perception of elderly people and their first associations with old age. They were also asked whether they were aware of the life characteristics when it comes to the Third age and to explore their personal experiences with the elderly, as well as the young men and women?s thoughts of their own ageing and of themselves as old people. The students? responses indicated that most of them had romantic visions of their own old age and, at the same time, multiple negative stereotypes and prejudices about the elderly people around them, whom they rarely supported. It is, therefore, important to promote understanding between youth and the elderly in an ageing society, as it is the case in Vojvodina and Serbia overall.

Late-life suicide in an aging world

Suicide is an important problem among older adults and in particular older men. Risk factors for suicide in older adults include the loss of a loved one, loneliness and physical illness. Suicide in older adults is often attributed to the development of depression due to bereavement or loss of physical health and independence. However, suicide prevention in old age requires avoiding overly simplistic therapeutic approaches. This Perspective discusses the impact of social determinants of health, cultural narratives and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on suicide among older adults and proposes strategies for a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention.

Study of Elders’ Health Status and Perception about Old Age

The health status of elders and elders’ perception regarding old age in a community is an important issue in a society. The present study aims to assess the health status and perception of old age of elderly population of Nijgadh Municipality. A descriptive cross-sectional study has been carried out among 204 elders taken from the community through simple random sampling method. The data were collected through face to face structured interview schedule in 2021. The descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the collected data showed that the about 20 percent elders had got good status of health but remaining (about 80%) of them were suffering from some kinds of health complications. Similarly, more than 73 percent of elders felt their life more problematic. This study measured significant variation (p<0.05) of level of health status with only three socio-demographic variables (age, caste, and feeling of helplessness among the variables (gender, age groups, caste, living with or without spouse, literacy status, and feeling helplessness. Furthermore, this study measured significant variation (p<0.05) of perception about old age of elderly population with only three socio-demographic variable (age, caste, and feeling of helpless) among the variables (gender, age groups, caste, living with or without spouse, literacy status, and feeling helplessness). Based on the study, it can be said that age, caste, and feeling of helplessness status of elderly population were the major factors for creating variations in health status and perceptions of elderly life. The policies, programs, and community effort are needed for managing regular health service practice. Similarly, all the community members must be serious for keeping elders happy by managing their requirement with love which may require collective action from social, health and justice sectors.

Being Old in the Age of Aging: Macro-Level Determinants of Change in Perception of Old Age Threshold in EU Countries

Purpose: The question about the determinants of perception of old age still has not found an unequivocal answer in the literature. Most of the studies so far have concentrated on the analysis of micro factors in selected years. This study attempts to fill this gap by evaluating macro-level variables associated with changes in individual perception of the beginning of old age. Our analysis, which is based on the 2008 and 2018 editions of the European Social Survey, attempts to capture changes in the perception of old age. Design/Methodology/Approach: We have analysed four macro factors, health, socioeconomic, institutional, and the labor market. Among these groups, the socio-economic and labor market factors have the most considerable significance. The change of the real GDP per capita factor explains 13% of the variability of the perception of the old age threshold. Almost all labor market indicators, 55-64 employment rate, 65-69 and 75+ labor force participation rates, have proven to be statistically significant. Findings: The most notable result of this study is the significant role of factors related to the labor market, both concerning the old age perception threshold and the change of this threshold. Practical Implications: The study results provide a strong indication that the situation of the elderly in the labor market is the primary macro determinant of the perception of old age. Originality/Value: The results of our study indicate that the most effective tools of influencing the perception of the onset of old age are provided by labour market policy directed at employment support for people aged 55+, mainly 75+. This is a conclusion important from the point of view of the results of the COVID-19 pandemics, where the people most at risk are the eldest, both for health reasons (highest mortality in this age group), and for an increased risk of job loss, as such people, by having the right to a pension or drawing a pension, will be relatively least impacted financially by the loss of employment.

Aging in the culture of the Kazakh people: psychological analysis of gerotranscendence factors

This article deals with the problem of cultural and historical determinants of aging relevant to the psychology of development and gerontology. The comparative analysis of the perception of old age in the culture of the Kazakh people in different historical periods is carried out. Existential-psychological analysis of old age perception on the example of Kazakh scholar Abay as a phenomenon of individual life and meaning perspective is briefly presented. L. Thornstam’s meta-theory of gerotranscendence as a result of evolution of paradigms of psychology of aging describing the progressive mechanism of de- velopment at the late stages of ontogenesis is touched upon, also it was taken as a basis for empirical research of influence of socio-demographic factors on gerotranscendence in Kazakh people. The re- sults of research have shown significant distinctions concerning respondents who have families. In mar- ried couples the level of gerotranscendence changes was significantly higher than in respondents living alone. The relationship between the personal dimension and the level of education was found, i.e. the results showed that the higher a person’s education, the higher the level of gerotranscendence he/she demonstrates. And also the factor of the place of residence or region demonstrates some influence on the development of gerotranscendence. Thus, respondents living in metropolitan cities had a significantly higher overall index of the level of gerotranscendence than respondents living in cities-regions. No cor- relations or significant differences in gender and age aspects were found in the study. Key words: aging, old age, hero-transcendence, personal dimension, social dimension, generalized worldview.

Can you fall in love with old age?

This text addresses the perception of old age in the 21st century. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the issue of the diverse perception of aging and old age. The addressees of the article are employees of social services, NGO activists, the elderly and their caregivers, people who contribute to the environment in which the elderly live, as well as students of medical, social sciences and pedagogical fields of studies. The selection of literature for this study was not accidental, as the authors of selected works are the elite of world gerontology, andragogy, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, whose main area of scientific interest are issues related to old age and the aging process. These include: Aleksander Kamiński, Zofia Szarota, Artur Fabiś, Barbara Szatur-Jawoska, Paul Baltes and others. The article attempts to show old age as a period of heyday and living it in a dignified rather than chronological way. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages and of this period of human life are presented, as wells as recognised examples of good practice, institutional support and non-institutional support.. The text highlights some of the determinants that are characteristic for ageing and old age, such as: successful ageing, graceful ageing and quality of life. Such an approach to the problem helps to reflect more deeply on the issue raised, while helping to exclude metastereotypes and contribute to treating old age as a value. It will also make us reflect on the passage of time and on the last period of life, which does not have to fill us with fear, being scared of the unknown, a sense of helplessness, and for which we should learn and prepare throughout our life. The article also highlights two very important facts that old age cannot be confined, and its limits cannot be defined, as well as the heterogeneity of this social group, which does not allow for the development of a single model of old age, which would become a model used by the sciences dealing with this field of study. Finally, an attempt was made to answer the key question – Can you fall in love with old age?