Ageism, Culture and Willingness to Work with Older Adults Among Youth in India
摘要
Ageism is a phenomenon prevalent around the world today. It can be understood as the prejudiced attitudes, beliefs and discriminatory behaviour held towards people on the basis of their age. The present study aimed to explore the mindset of students aged 18–25 in Delhi-NCR to know their perspective towards elderly in both, personal and professional domains. It seeks to identify and understand whether attitude of young adults towards older adults, awareness of ageism, the quality and quantity of intergroup contact, and filial piety attitudes influence their willingness to work with older adults. Individuals currently enrolled in an onsite course in a UGC-recognised University in Delhi-NCR participated in the study. The Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ), Fraboni Scale of Ageism, Ambivalent Ageism Scale (benevolent and hostile attitudes) and Working with Older Adults Scale (WOAS) were administered on 200 participants. Filial piety and intergroup contact were also measured. Regression analysis highlighted the significant predictors of WOAS dimensions, namely, attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norm and working intentions. Intergroup contact frequency and quality along with compassionate reverence aspect of filial piety were significant contributors across the dimensions. The study has implications for intergenerational teams and diversity management training programs in organisations.