GERIARTIC PSYCHOLOGY

Pallavi Bisht
0392
Question - Explain the interventions adopted to reduce ageism. Discuss in detail the
concept of generation gap.

Definitions and concepts of ageism have changed over the years. The term was first defined
by Robert Butler, one of the pioneers in ageing research. Butler used the word ageism to
describe “prejudice by one age group against another age group” (Butler, 1969, p. 243).
Ageism can be broadly defined as the “systematic stereotyping and discrimination against
people because they are old” (Butler, 2008). Butler argued that ageism represents
discrimination by the middle-aged group against the younger and older groups in society,
because the middle-aged group is responsible for the welfare of the younger and older age
groups, which are seen as dependent.
Ageism refers to how negative beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about age are
used to implicitly and explicitly support discriminatory behaviors that marginalize older
adults (Palmore, Branch, & Harris, 2005). The term ageism refers to a set of beliefs about the
elderly. It involves two kinds of activities. The first is prejudice, which refers to negative
stereotypes about older people. The second is discrimination, which means people are denied
opportunities just because they are old.
According to Levy, ageism is often directed at one’s self and can be implicit. It occurs with
very little awareness or intention and literally impacts the social interactions and life of each
and every one of us. This definition considers ageism as having behavioural, attitudinal, and
emotional components based on chronological age. It can be positive or negative and is
thought to shape most interactions with older adults. It has been argued that older adults have
internalised negative ageist messages throughout their lives. This, in turn, impacts their view
of themselves as well as their view of others in their surroundings (Levy 2001; Levy and
Banaji 2002).

INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE AGEISM

Intergenerational programs- Among the many interventions developed, the most effective
type of intervention to reach a certain level of knowledge and attitude change was achievable
through an intergenerational program done in an educational or pedagogical context
(Chonody, 2015). An intergenerational program opens doors to interchanging resources and
gaining knowledge about both generations through an interpersonal contact and interaction,
from which the participants benefit on a social and personal level (Vieira & Sousa, 2016).
Such an interaction between younger and older adults on a reciprocal level seemed to
encourage a change in the attitude towards the older people, social connection, service
activities for youngsters and older adults, increasing the feeling of appreciation and having a
purpose in life (Knight, Skouteris, Townsend & Hooley, 2014).

In addition to that, a recent study found evidence for a significant reduction in age-related
negative clichés and an increase in positive ones through such intergenerational interventions
independent of a specific type of program or age group involved (Ermer, York & Mauro,
2020).

Intergenerational service learning- Apart from the usual intergenerational programs, there
are several interventions that combined the intergenerational approach with service learning
(Knapp & Stubblefield, 2000; Blieszner & Artale, 2001; Vandsberger & Wakefield, 2004;
Counts, 2019). Service-learning itself can be defined as a pedagogical teaching method that
emphasizes learning by doing that takes part outside the school environment (Cohen,
Hatchett & Eastridge, 2006). Hence, this teaching method can be ascribed to one type of
experiential learning (Kalisch, Coughlin, Ballard & Lamson, 2013).
A main feature of service learning is to combine teaching, research and service which are
then applied in different communities and organizations of the public (Brown & Bright,
2017). The aim of this method is to foster networking between parties in order to resolve
social controversies that decrease the quality of the overall community (Pereira & Arriage,
2019). In combination with the interaction of the two generations, intergenerational
service-learning brings theory to practice, which means students apply theoretical
conceptualizations to daily life situations with the older population (Cohen, Hatchett &
Eastridge, 2006). Thus, the focus is set on solving real community necessities by emphasizing
collaborations between the younger and older generation.

Parental encouragement and shared family identity also play roles in the impact that
contact between grandchildren and grandparents has on ageism. Generally, grandchildren
who identify more strongly with their family and whose parents encourage relationships with
their grandparents have more favourable perceptions of older adults.
Education and Awareness - Develop educational programs and campaigns that raise
awareness about ageism and its impact on individuals and society. Encourage schools and
universities to include ageism awareness in their curriculum. Promote age-diverse
perspectives in educational materials and media to challenge stereotypes. The integrating
content about ageism and aging processes into the usual curriculum either in form of lectures
and courses of psychology and social work students (Jackson, Cherry, Smitherman &
Hawley, 2008; Harris & Dollinger, 2001; Smith & McCaslin, 2011) or rarely in form of
video-taped presentations (Ragan & Bowen, 2001).

According to the Global Report, “providing accurate information and counter-stereotypic

examples, dispelling misconceptions about a particular age group and teaching more complex
thinking skills allow people to consciously reconsider and update their beliefs, feelings and
behaviours and lead to a decrease in ageism

Media Literacy- Promote media literacy programs that teach individuals to critically analyze
and challenge ageist portrayals and stereotypes in media content. Encourage media outlets to
portray older adults in diverse and positive roles. Age-friendly design and relevance of digital
services, as well as ageism free, ethical and safe digital environments that embrace the
diversity of ageing populations need to be ensured.

Community Initiatives- Support community-based programs that engage older adults in

social, cultural, and educational activities. Create age-friendly communities with accessible
infrastructure, transportation, and services that cater to the needs of older residents.

Healthcare Training- Provide healthcare professionals with training on age-sensitive care

that respects the dignity and unique needs of older patients. Encourage healthcare providers
to address ageism within the healthcare system and ensure equitable access to healthcare
services.

Positive Aging Narratives- Promoting positive narratives of aging through media, art, and
storytelling to challenge ageist stereotypes. Celebrate the achievements and contributions of
older adults in various fields and sectors.

Research and Data Collection- Supporting research on ageism, its prevalence, and its
consequences to better understand and combat this issue. Collecting data on age-related
discrimination to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
Personal Awareness and Empathy- Encouraging individuals to reflect on their own biases
and stereotypes related to age and to challenge them. Foster empathy and understanding by
promoting personal interactions and conversations across generations.

Age Sensitivity Training- Provide training programs for professionals in geriatric

psychology to raise awareness of ageism and its impact on older adults. Train psychologists,
therapists, and healthcare providers to recognize their own biases and stereotypes related to
aging and encourage empathy in their interactions with older clients.

Legislation and Policy Change- Advocate for anti-ageism laws and policies that protect
older adults from discrimination and ensure their rights are upheld. Promote age-inclusive
policies in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and access to public services. The
Global Report notes that “Ageism pervades many institutions and sectors of society,
including those providing health and social care, the workplace, the media and the legal
system”.

There are four ways that policies and laws can reduce ageism:

1. Outlawing a given behaviour or practice can reduce that behaviour to the extent that
sanctions are consistently imposed.
2. By creating a clear social norm that ageism is socially unacceptable.
3. Government-level policies and laws, by forcing people to change their behaviour, can
eventually change most people’s underlying attitudes too.
4. Increasing diversity in the surrounding population (e.g.in the workplace) and shaping
the physical and sensory surroundings can affect the degree of implicit bias that
individuals exhibit.

Engage in Lifelong Learning- Promote lifelong learning and professional development

among geriatric psychologists to stay updated on best practices and the latest research in the
field. Encourage psychologists to remain curious and open to new perspectives on aging.

Collaboration with Other Professions- Collaborating with other healthcare providers, such
as physicians, nurses, and social workers, to create a holistic and age-inclusive approach to
patient care. Sharing knowledge and best practices with professionals from related fields.
 GENERATIONAL GAP

The concept of the generation gap is one that has become part of our cultural vernacular. The
generational gap is a term popularized in Western countries during the 1960s referring to
differences between people of younger generations and their elders, especially between
children and their parents. Reputedly coined by renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead, the
simplest definition of the concept is the differentiation (or gap) of values, attitudes, or
behaviors between members of an older generation and a younger generation. Typically, the
concept of the generation gap used as an explanation of conflict between parents and children
within individual families.

A generation gap refers to the chasm that separates the beliefs and behaviors belonging to
members of two different generations. More specifically, a generation gap can be used to
describe the differences in thoughts, actions, and tastes exhibited by members of younger
generations versus older ones.The generation gap between individuals can be used to explain
differences in the worldviews and actions observed among those of different age groups.The
current living generations are the Greatest Generation, the silent generation, baby boomers,
Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z.

Terminologies used along with generational gap

The term "generation gap" was first used in the 1960s. During that time, the baby boomers,
those born between 1946 and 1964, were growing apart from their parents in their beliefs and
opinions. Sociologists use nomenclature to refer to different generational segments. The
current living generations have been divided into the following six major groups. Each
generation has its own characteristics regarding vernacular, technological influences,
workplace attitudes, general consciousness, and ways of life.

1. Greatest generation- As Great Depression and World War II survivors, they were
instrumental in shaping the United States into an economic and military power. This
group is defined by patriotism, teamwork, and drive. They were born from 1901 to
1927.
2. Silent generation- Born 1928 to 1945, older members of the silent generation fought
in Korea, while younger ones danced to Elvis and early rock 'n' roll, formed the
leadership of the civil rights movement, and were the New Frontier generation of
President Kennedy. More traditional and rules-following than the baby boomers, they
 are also called the traditionalist generation, although that may be a misnomer for this
group.
3. Baby boomers- They witnessed increasing social and economic equality and came of
age as the country was split by differing views on politics, war, and social justice. The
boomers participated in some of the greatest social changes in the country’s history,
during the 1960s and 1970s, with the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s
Movement.
4. Generation X- Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen-Xers grew up with emerging
technologies and political and institutional incompetence. They witnessed Watergate,
Three Mile Island, and the Iranian hostage crisis. But they also observed major
technological advancements. Mimeograph machines evolved into high-speed copiers,
and fax machines gave way to email. Heavy adding machines were replaced by
handheld calculators, and computers shrank in size and processing speed.
5. Millennials- Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials have always known cable TV,
pagers, answering machines, laptop computers, and video games. Technological
advancements in real-time media and communication have driven their expectation
for immediacy. They are the generation that bridges the gap of growing up in a world
before and after the Internet.
6. Generation Z- Generation Z is the generation after the millennials, born between
1996 and 2012. This generation consists of individuals in young adulthood, teenagers,
and children. This is the first generation that grew up with the Internet as a fact of life,
not knowing a world without email, immediate access to information, or mobile
phones.

Generation gap is a difference in values and attitudes between one generation and another,
especially between young people and their parents. These differences stem from older and
younger people not understanding each other because of their differences in experiences,
opinions, habits, and behavior. History has always seen some degree of generational
differences.

Generational gap historically - However, the term ‘‘generation gap’’ came into wide use in
the United States and Europe during the 1960s. It described the cultural differences between
the baby boomers and their parents. During this era, the differences between the two
generations were exaggerated in comparison with previous times. There were major
differences in many things such as music, fashion, drug use, and politics. Experts suggest that
this situation may have been created because of the extraordinary size of the baby boomer
generation, which in turn gave them a greater sense of power and influence. The younger
generation was willing to rebel against societal norms to a previously unseen degree.

Generation Gap is generally a difference between the views of young people and their parents
based on the later generation developing habits and attitudes inconsistent with the experience
of the former generation. commonly perceived to refer to differences between generations
that cause conflict and complicate communication, creating a "gap." The generation gap is
not to be “blamed” on anyone. Old generation would accuse the new of being disobedient and
lacking in values. With all the implications that generation gap may have, it can be both good
and bad. It is good because it enables people belonging to different generations to look at the
same thing with different perspectives. It also cultivates within people, an attitude of
assimilation and tolerance.

The gaps between generations can be considered in two particular ways.

● The first is when comparisons are made at different times between generations at
similar ages, such as comparing a parent’s high school experiences relative to his or
her child’s high school experiences. The classic example of this is the popular saying
by older family members, “when I was in school, I walked a mile in the snow.”
● The second approach is to examine across groups at the same point in time. For
example, parents and adult children may experience conflict about child rearing,
whereby the gap may be defined in terms of current differences in child-rearing
beliefs between children and their parents. Most studies from the 1960s and 1970s
were based on the latter approach.

History of Generation Gap in India- The generation gap introduced in 1920s but the real
cause of that lies in 1950s when the soldiers returned from the wars and had joined their
families. The veterans faced tough environment that’s why they despise the youth who were
extremely affected by rock culture. Beside that in 1980s at the origin of telecasting age,
sputter etc. overcome the new generation entirely very much off from their seniors.
Earlier in the 1920s, the ménage in India reside by unquestionable directives. Almost the
families were poor, many another were from the sovereign, & the leftover was quite well off.
As time go forward (nearby 1950s and 60s), India had just got freedom & growth was in the
crib. Western lifestyle had acquired by Indians. The senior age group at that time, having
vigorous devotion towards own country, highly abominate the current media of amusement.
There is an additional ground for aforesaid was that a large number of populations had moved
to the advance cities (Mumbai, Calcutta, etc.) and there was a intense hindrance between the
burgess & the rustic. The youngster was obviously fascinated towards the vitality of city. This
caused the lifestyle of peoples has converted desperately. The elders gave priority to
traditional way of working and thinking. Besides that youngster disgruntled with the constant
condemnation of the seniors, having dependency of alcoholic drink, smoking, and other
substances[4]. They move up towards rapid and adventurous life, whereas the elders promote
the healthy, unflagging and well balanced lifestyle. Similarly other elements as globalism,
development in inter communications also generate space between generation.

Factors affecting/leading to generation gap:

● Birth Cohorts - Generation gaps emerge out of the differential experiences of what
demographers refer to as birth cohorts. Birth cohorts are groups of individuals born
within a similar time, typically 10-or 20-year intervals. Typically, cohort members
have unique experiences that affect their human development in similar ways. This
uniqueness of birth cohorts is linked directly to the level of social change within a
given society. The greater the degree of social change (i.e., immigration, economic
development, political instability), the more unique birth cohorts become. Thus, the
characteristics of birth cohorts influence generation gaps in two key ways.
- First, they emphasize the distinctiveness of different birth cohorts.
- Second, through shared experiences and memories, members of the same birth
cohort form deep bonds with each other, often reinforcing that which makes
them unique to other generations.
● Social Expectation- Both generations expects from other generation to behave like
them. The elders progressively have a great collection of complaints hostile the
youngsters and the youngsters usually prone to shrug off the protestation of the senior
age group.
● Economic development- Realizing the need for mitigating the problem of
unemployment, young generation has to depart far away. In that situation they neglect
the responsibility towards their elders.
● Distinct attitude- Both generations have distinct attitude as they have different likes,
dislikes and frequency of thought flow. Traditional generation like books, classical
music, walk with friends and family and believes in reuse of used products. But
modern generation prefers to spend time at social sites, pop music, at night parties,
and long drive etc. Both have different taste for musical taste, fashion, marriage, food
habits, culture and politics etc. Traditional generation is likely to have observed these
differences in modern generation. These are
- Work ethics
- Regard for others
- Governmental observation
- Opinion about dissimilar breed
- Spiritual faith
● Communication gap- Usually, the parents are matured, have not sympathized with
the transforming moral principles and way of thinking of the contemporary society.
● Education- The most important difference is the Education which leads to job,
money, living style and reputation. In modern generation, we have all the facilities
and opportunities to get education and learn more and more. There are so many
schools, colleges and universities that help us to achieve our educational goals. And
which ultimately lead us to have a brightening and successful future. But in traditional
generation, they get education to understand life not only to get educational goals, job,
money etc.
● Technology- Today, there is revolution in technology in every field it may be
computers, other electronic gadgets, science or any other field. These days our lives
have become more dependent on machines and we all have become lethargic as
compared to our parents who used to do most of their regular tasks themselves and
stay active.
● Family Structures: Shifts in family structures and roles can contribute to
generational gaps. For instance, changes in gender roles and family dynamics can lead
to differing views on marriage, parenting, and work-life balance.
● Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world through globalization
can lead to generational differences in attitudes toward diversity, multiculturalism,
and global issues.
 ● Media and Information Sources: Variations in media consumption and information
sources can contribute to generational gaps in awareness and understanding of current
events, politics, and global issues.
● Demographic Shifts: Changes in population demographics, such as generational size
and ethnic composition, can influence the cultural and political landscape and lead to
generational differences in priorities and interests.
● Parenting Styles: Each generation tends to adapt its parenting style in response to the
parenting they received. These parenting styles can influence the values and behaviors
of subsequent generations.

Consequences (Negative as well as Positive)of the generational gap

● At the family level, generation gaps may increase ambiguity and discord between
parents and their children. At the societal level, researchers and policy makers are
concerned that increased parent-child discord may potentially alienate aged parents
from their families, essentially making them more dependent on governmental
sources of support in old age.
● Resistance to Change: Older generations may resist adopting new technologies or
embracing societal changes, which can slow down progress and hinder innovation.
● Social Divisions: Generational gaps can contribute to social divisions and
polarization, particularly when different generations have opposing views on
important societal issues.
● Economic and Policy Challenges: Differences in economic priorities and
perspectives on government policies can lead to challenges in addressing economic
issues and creating effective public policies.
● Isolation and Loneliness: In families, generational gaps can lead to feelings of
isolation and loneliness, as individuals may find it difficult to relate to or connect with
family members from different generations.
● Innovation and Progress: Different generations bring diverse perspectives and
experiences to the table. This diversity of thought can lead to innovative solutions to
problems and contribute to societal progress.
● Learning Opportunities: Younger generations can learn from the wisdom and
experiences of older generations, benefiting from their insights and life lessons.
 Conversely, older generations can learn from the fresh ideas and technological skills
of younger generations.

Attempting to reduce the Generational Gap

● Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication between

generations. Create spaces for individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and
perspectives without judgment. Foster active listening skills, where people genuinely
try to understand the viewpoints of others without immediately disagreeing or
dismissing them.
● Education and Awareness:- Organize workshops, seminars, or training sessions that
focus on generational differences, stereotypes, and commonalities. Increase awareness
of how historical events, societal changes, and technology have shaped each
generation.
● Media’s role - When it comes to generation gap there are very few role models
therefore small movies or anecdotes can prove very helpful this highlights the role of
mass media in solving social problems.
● Educational institutes should encourage discussion and dialogue where the younger
generation can air their concerns and be advised on how to respect and gel well with
the elder generation
● Foster Empathy and Understanding: Promote empathy and understanding among
different generations. Encourage individuals of all ages to listen to the stories and
experiences of older adults, helping younger generations gain insights into the
challenges and accomplishments of their elders.
● Educate About Aging: Provide education on the aging process and the physical and
psychological changes that occur with age. This can help dispel misconceptions and
stereotypes about older adults and foster greater empathy.
● Support Mental Health: Offer mental health services and support tailored to the
unique needs of older adults. Address issues such as depression, anxiety, loneliness,
and cognitive decline, and provide accessible resources for older individuals and their
families.
● Elder Abuse Prevention: Develop and promote programs that raise awareness about
elder abuse and provide resources for prevention and intervention. Ensure that older
adults know their rights and have access to support if they experience abuse.
 ● Promote Healthy Aging: Encourage healthy aging practices, including regular
physical activity, social engagement, and mental stimulation. Older adults can benefit
from programs that focus on maintaining physical and cognitive function.
● Family Support and Education: Offer support and education to families of older
adults. Family members may need guidance on how to provide care, communicate
effectively, and address the psychological needs of their elderly loved ones.
● Advance Care Planning: Promote advance care planning, including discussions
about end-of-life preferences, to ensure that older adults' wishes are respected and that
they receive the appropriate care.

As our population ages and as the nuclear family continues to undergo radical transitions,
there has been a renewed interest in the generation gap. This interest has been translated into
the development of intergenerational programs that are aimed at reducing divisions and
ambiguity between generations. Intergenerational programs are most frequently found in
schools, child and adult day care programs, community centers, and civic organizations and
youth groups, but federal and state initiatives also exist. However, we still do not know how
effective these programs and initiatives have been on larger social and cultural processes that
produce the generation gap.

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