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Perception of Old Age by the Inhabitants of Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Mariusz Wysokiński

    (Department of Basic Nursing and Medical Teaching, Chair of Development in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland)

  • Wiesław Fidecki

    (Department of Basic Nursing and Medical Teaching, Chair of Development in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland)

  • Tomasz Plech

    (Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland)

  • Irena Wrońska

    (Department of Basic Nursing and Medical Teaching, Chair of Development in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland)

  • Magda Kamila Pawelec

    (Department of Basic Nursing and Medical Teaching, Chair of Development in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland)

  • Beata Dziedzic

    (Department of Development of Nursing and Social & Medical Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Introduction : People’s self-esteem and public perception of senior citizens both play important roles in perceiving old age. The public perception manifests itself in adopting specific attitudes toward the elderly. Aim of the work : The work aimed at attempting to specify how adults and the elderly perceive old age. Material and method : The diagnostic poll method was employed as the main research tool, whereas the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire by Morris Rosenberg and the Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People Scale, as well as authors’ own sociodemographic variables metrics, were used as research tools. The investigation was administered in a cohort of 206 people living in Poland. Results : The average number of points on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire by Morris Rosenberg (SES) was 29.01 (SD = 4.24). People over the age of 60 (M = 30.07 points), males (M = 32.05 points), those in a relationship (M = 30.22 points), declaring higher education (M = 30.33 points), and a good material situation (M = 30.12 points) enjoyed higher self-esteem. The average number of points on the Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People Scale (KAOP) in the research cohort was 126.48. The assessment of the elderly was higher among those below 60 (M = 127.06), females (M = 127.29), those in a relationship (M = 129.78), those declaring higher education (M = 128.56), and those in a good material situation (M = 126.99). Conclusions : Respondents perceived old age positively, albeit at a low level. It is necessary to review activities undertaken in the sphere of social policy in Poland because activities undertaken to date are failing to improve old age perception. Actions need to be undertaken aiming at raising self-esteem level in Polish senior citizens, and available financial, social, and psychological resources from the government and community associations should all be used to this end.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariusz Wysokiński & Wiesław Fidecki & Tomasz Plech & Irena Wrońska & Magda Kamila Pawelec & Beata Dziedzic, 2020. "Perception of Old Age by the Inhabitants of Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-7, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2389-:d:339664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brad A. Meisner, 2012. "A Meta-Analysis of Positive and Negative Age Stereotype Priming Effects on Behavior Among Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 67(1), pages 13-17.
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