Postrzeganie starości i osób starszych w rodzinie przez dorastającą młodzież w środowisku wiejskim
The perception of old age and the elderly in a family among adolescents in a rural environment

Summary/Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was an attempt to determine the image of old age and the elderly in a family among primary school pupils in a rural environment. Methods: A qualitative-quantitative questionnaire served as a tool. Results: The results show that the term ‘old age’ was associated mainly with the respondents’ oldest family members, and the main values for which the elderly are respected included warm feelings, practical wisdom, and help in raising grand children, all of which are achieved in a family setting. Similarly to the results of the study conducted in an urban environment, the image of old age is negative; however, the attitude towards the elderly is almost exclusively positive. Importantly, family life, and especially living with the grandparents, was identified as the main source of experience and knowledge about old age by the vast majority of respondents. Conclusions: Consequently, it is family members who are mostly responsible for shaping image and attitudes towards the elderly among children and adolescents.

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