Aging & Social Change: Eleventh Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

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 explores 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, if attitude of young adults towards older adults, awareness pertaining to ageism, quality and quantity of intergroup contact. and filial piety attitudes influences the willingness of young adults to work with older adults. Individuals currently enrolled in an onsite course in a UGC recognised University in Delhi-NCR participated in the study. 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 205 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.