2019 Volume 41 Issue 1 Pages 28-37
Studies on ageism against older adults have increased both in Japan and abroad. However, few studies have been conducted on older adults’ attitudes toward young adults, which should be referred to as “the other side of ageism.” Therefore, this study examines factors related to older adults’ negative attitudes towards young adults, focusing on intergenerational relations in the local community and the workplace. Data were obtained from a random sample survey of 813 men and women aged between 60 and 69, who resided in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The findings are as follows:
1. Older adults with a lower frequency of contact with young adults were inclined to hate and avoid them.
2. Older adults’ life satisfaction did not affect their negative attitude toward young adults, but older workers with lower workplace satisfaction tended to hate and avoid them.
3. Older adults with lower generativity scores were inclined to hate and avoid young adults. On the other hand, older adults with higher generativity scores were inclined to have negative perceptions of young adults, ambivalent attitudes were suggested.
4. Older adults who experienced workplace ageism displayed negative perceptions toward young adults.
