Old Age through Young People

Abstract

In this article are analysed some of the results obtained from a research study carried out in the Basque Country out of a sample of 277 university students of second cycle and postgraduates. It is examined, on the e one hand, the outcome of a test of twenty questions and twenty-five variables, about the most frequent stereotypes on old age, and elderly in general. Certain attitudes an expectations as young people bound to get old are analysed too On the other hand, it has been realized a content analysis the stories un which the sample describes specifically and spontaneously the feelings and the relationships that they have with their grandparents, as well as the image it is inspired. They consider old age rather negatively in contrast with the idealized image they have of their grandparents. In this respect great difference between the ideal and reality is underlined. When the experience they have of their relationship with their grandparents does not match the previous social images, they tend to think it is a question of statistically abnormal facts. Besides they considered old age is not a pleasant period in life and, it is associated with illness and lack of beauty. It is observed a straight link between those variables and the rejection to their own future old age and and granparenthood, as well as revalence of the knowledge based on the stereotypes. In addition, as the image og old age -and that of grandparents'- growns more positive, the tend to identify themselves with them.