“Activities of Older Adults” Survey: Tapping into Student Views of the Elderly

Abstract

This article describes an exercise used in a life span developmental psychology course to tap into undergraduates' perceptions of activities of the elderly. Students were asked to generate items to be included in a hypothetical Activities of Older Adults survey (to be administered to people 65 years and older). Responses from 1,340 students over a 10-year period show a fairly passive and negative view of life after age 65. Suggestions for utilizing this exercise to stimulate discussions about theories of aging and age stereotypes (including ageism) are offered.

Notes

Note. Total n = 1,340 students enrolled in 24 semesters of developmental psychology.