Old age in social perception Cover Image

Starość w percepcji społecznej
Old age in social perception

Author(s): Aldona Małyska
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology
Published by: Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Instytut Technologii Eksploatacji
Keywords: ageing; old age; stereotypes; solidarity between generations; intergenerational integration;

Summary/Abstract: Demographic analyses indicate an ongoing and global process of ageing of societies, which results from two phenomena, on the one hand rising life expectancy, on the other declining birth rate. A circumstance that has never existed before in such a large dimension is the possibility of interaction among representatives of several generations. This is of an unquestionable value, but at the same time poses numerous challenges, particularly in terms of mutual obligations and intergenerational solidarity. The quality of social relationships depends on how representatives of each generation respond to each other. The most complex situation seems to be that of the oldest members of the society. It is them who most often experience age discrimination. The article presents the results of a survey conducted to obtain the opinions of representatives of various age groups on ageing and old age, as well as the place of the elderly in social space. The collected empirical data also enabled the author to determine the factors differentiating opinions within the respondent group.

  • Issue Year: 109/2020
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 79-96
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish