Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Changing Children's Perceptions of the Elderly:
R H Aday1, K L Aday, J L Arnold
1a Director of Aging, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.
Gerontology & Geriatrics Education
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Intergenerational programs foster positive relationships between youth and seniors. A study showed fourth graders improved their attitudes toward the elderly after participating in friendship-based activities.
Area of Science:
- Social Gerontology
- Child Development
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Age-integrated programming is recognized for its potential to bridge generational divides.
- Existing literature highlights the benefits of intergenerational connections for both young and old participants.
- The Intergenerational Partners Project was designed to explore the impact of structured, friendship-focused activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an age-integrated program in improving children's perceptions of the elderly.
- To assess the overall quality and impact of intergenerational friendships formed through shared activities.
- To provide a framework and recommendations for future intergenerational programming.
Main Methods:
- The study involved fourth-grade students and elderly volunteers participating in the Intergenerational Partners Project.
- Activities were designed to foster friendship and shared experiences between the age groups.
- The Children's Perception of Aging and Elderly (CPAE) inventory was administered pre- and post-program.
Main Results:
- The CPAE inventory showed a statistically significant improvement in students' attitudes toward the elderly post-intervention.
- Qualitative data from both student and elderly participants indicated positive experiences and benefits from the program.
- The project's structure and activities were found to be effective in promoting positive intergenerational interactions.
Conclusions:
- Age-integrated friendship programs can lead to significant positive shifts in children's attitudes towards older adults.
- The Intergenerational Partners Project model provides a successful framework for fostering beneficial intergenerational relationships.
- Recommendations are offered for the development and implementation of effective intergenerational programming.
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