Universität zu Köln

Reissmann, Marcella, Geithner, Luise, Storms, Anna and Woopen, Christiane (2021). Stereotypes about very old people and perceived societal appreciation in very old age. Z. Gerontol. Geriatr., 54 (SUPPL 2). S. 93 - 101. HEIDELBERG: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG. ISSN 1435-1269

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Abstract

Background People in very old age (VOA) are expected to be confronted with particularly negative stereotypes. These influence societally shared behavior towards and judgements about them. Such external evaluations of individuals' lives are considered a crucial part of their quality of life (QoL). Objective The present study elaborated a) the societal appreciation perceived by people in VOA and b) the stereotypes about people in VOA held by stakeholders from key societal areas. The aim was to discuss possible connections between these external standards and individual life results. Material and methods A parallel mixed methods design was employed. Cross-sectional data from a representative survey of people aged 80 years and older (n = 1863) were analyzed by means of chi(2)-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests to examine differences in perceived societal appreciation (PSA) by characteristics of the person, their biography, and current lifestyle. Linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of these characteristics on PSA. Regarding stereotypes about people in VOA, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from key societal areas (n = 22) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The quantitative and qualitative findings were juxtaposed for comparison. Results PSA was predicted by health-related variables and productive activities. Several societal stakeholders highlighted that age-related losses pose challenges on very old individuals, their families, and society, whereas remaining potentials in VOA can and should be used for the benefit of others; however, stakeholders' perceptions differed by the extent of their professional contact with (very) old people. Different pathways were proposed through which the observed stereotypes and determinants of PSA might be connected (e.g., stereotype internalization). Conclusion Our study illustrates the relevance of external standards for individual QoL and highlights the need for a normative perspective in the discussion about QoL and its enhancement.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Reissmann, Marcella UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Geithner, Luise UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Storms, Anna UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Woopen, Christiane UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-568777
DOI:	10.1007/s00391-021-01971-y
Journal or Publication Title:	Z. Gerontol. Geriatr.
Volume:	54
Number:	SUPPL 2
Page Range:	S. 93 - 101
Date:	2021
Publisher:	SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
Place of Publication:	HEIDELBERG
ISSN:	1435-1269
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language SELF-PERCEPTIONS; CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS; LIFE; DISCRIMINATION; HEALTH; METAANALYSIS; INDIVIDUALS; MEMBERS; THREAT; WELL Multiple languages Geriatrics & Gerontology; Gerontology Multiple languages
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/56877