Designing for Change

Abstract

Common assumptions are examined about the prevalence of negative attitudes toward the elderly. This issue may have important implications for planning intergenerational programs aimed at attitude change. There is little historical evidence for the popular notion that intergenerational relations have been gradually eroding in Western society. Results of research suggest that negative attitudes about old age may vary according to situational, contextual, and social factors. In general, there is only a weak link between what people generally think about aging, and how they may behave toward elderly individuals. For maximum effectiveness, program planners should focus on changing de-monstrably negative perceptions of old age within a specific context. It is important that activities and measures used in the design and evaluation of intergenerational programs are appropriate for the stated objectives.

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