Attitudes toward the elderly in Sweden: correlates and age group comparisons

The objectives were to examine attitudes toward societal relations of the elderly in two age-stratified random samples, aged thirty to sixty-five, and seventy to seventy-five (both groups expressed attitudes toward the latter group), and to explore which of various correlates were associated with the attitudes. Six attitudinal dimensions were analyzed by means of group comparisons and linear regression. The younger group appeared positive toward interactive behavior, the elderly in turn being positive toward previous roles though reluctant to engagement in new activities. Some significant correlates were distinguished, although in a diversified manner over groups and dimensions: Positive attitudes among the younger were associated with low age, high education, and being female. No such clear pattern was found among the elderly, where instead work commitment and contacts with peers were particularly indicative of positive attitudes toward social activities.