Analyzed the content of five basal reading series published in the 1960s and 1980s to see if the manner in which the elderly are protrayed has changed. Indicated that although the elderly were underrepresented in the books in comparison to their actual proportion in the population, they were generally portrayed as competent, helpful, positive…

Using a Q sort, 39 older adults rated 40 magazine ads. They found offensive ads that stereotyped elders as out of touch, ridiculous, difficult, and unattractive. Stereotypes of real aging problems were deemed nonoffensive. In interviews, they expressed concerns about the harm such stereotypes can do. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

Attitudes were assessed after 89 undergraduates were asked either five neutral questions, five questions on the economic welfare of older people, or five on elders' physical frailty. Economic questions resulted in significantly more negative views of the mental aspects of aging, suggesting that questionnaires may contain tacit sources of bias. (SK)

Undergraduates (n=490) were divided into 3 groups; each group viewed a photo of a woman either 29, 47, or 63 years old. The oldest woman received the most positive evaluation on 8 of 17 characteristics. The subjects' estimation of the women's ages was consistent with the actual ages of the women. (SK)

Argues that myths about aging involve ageist stereotypes and misconceptions. Discusses cognitive science insights about why and how stereotypes are created. Urges gerontology practitioners to combat stigmatized labeling, conduct multidisciplinary research, and develop a critical gerontology perspective. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

College students (n=200) expressed their preferences for the ages of 13 service providers such as doctors, pilots, and mechanics. The mean age preferred was below 40. Except for barbers/beauticians, no gender differences were found. However, scores on the Fraboni Scale of Ageism showed that male students had more ageist attitudes. (SK)

Vignettes of depressed females aged 42 or 72 were reviewed by 414 psychologists and 293 counselors (38% response). Most correctly identified depression regardless of client age. The elder client was considered to be less able to develop a therapeutic relationship, to have a poor prognosis, and to be less acceptable as a client. (Contains 54…

The Retirement Research Foundation of Chicago supported a collaborative to collect demographic data about working and aging, conduct a survey of older job seekers, and interview businesses in the region to assess their awareness and attitudes about mature workers. The 2005 project was titled the 60 + Success Project. A regional task force oversaw…

Examines some reasons for underutilization of elders as educators and suggests an educational brokerage system as a means of maximizing their educational contributions and rewards. Presents a case study of an emerging brokerage system. (BH)

Before and 1 month after age awareness workshops, 200 British participants took the Palmore Aging Quiz and Fraboni Scale of Ageism. Palmore scores significantly improved but Fraboni scores were unchanged. Results suggest that increased awareness improves factual knowledge but does not change attitudes toward aging and older people. (Contains 18…

Aging and ageism are diversity issues and should be addressed in diversity training. A balanced understanding of aging can be developed using appropriate techniques at all levels of education. Instructors should vary teaching approaches to accommodate older adult students. (SK)

The sonata form (A-B-A) was used as a model in a lifespan development class to examine experiences and opinions about aging. Ageism was analyzed to illustrate the process of stereotyping and to modify attitudes about aging. (SK)

This study investigated age preferences for 11 different service providers and the age at which workers in these occupational roles were considered to be "too old" by three age groups: young (18-24), middle-aged (35-55), and older adults (65+). Results indicate that in comparison to middle-aged and older adults, young adults continue to have…

Examined images of aging women depicted in periodical advertising over a 10-year period. Analyzed content for frequency, products involved, setting, value orientation, and change over time. Found older women in less than 1% of the advertisements, and no significant changes from 1967-1977. (Author/JAC)

The Social Attitude Scale of Ageist Prejudice was administered to 42 4- and 5-year-olds. Those exposed to an aging education curriculum (n=21) decreased prejudices, whereas controls' prejudices increased. Children were more negative toward older adults' abilities than their social traits. Grandparent visits did not affect prejudices. (SK)