"My image of the elderly …": an analysis of elderly representations in children's drawings

This study examines the perceptions of children aged 9 to 12 regarding older adults and the aging process through drawing analysis.

This qualitative study employed an art-based narrative approach for data collection, integrating drawings and interviews. Data were analyzed projectively. The study was conducted with 25 children aged 9 to 12 living in a northern province of Türkiye, each of whom had at least one older adult in the family and who volunteered to participate. Data were collected using the "Child Descriptive Information Form," the "Draw a Picture of an Elderly Person" activity, and a "Semi-Structured Interview Form."

Projective analysis of children's drawings and interviews revealed four main themes: "Traces of Time on the Body: Visual Representations of Aging," "The Need for Psychosocial Support: Family-Centered Social Transformation," "After Their Departure: A Period of Confronting the Reality of Death," and "The Warm Face of Compassion."

While children's perceptions of older adults were generally positive, their views on the aging period were predominantly negative. Children described older individuals as compassionate, wise, and lovable, but also associated aging with loneliness, illness, disability, experiences and fears of death, suffering, and fear of loss.