Ageism towards Older Parents: A Case Study of Young Adults in Thai Family
Keywords:
ageism, ageist attitudes, age stereotype, age discriminationAbstract
This qualitative research is a multiple-case study design. The purposes of this research were to study different types of ageism, its causes, and its effects on older parents in the context of Thai family living in the city. Key informants were 8 young adults who live with or have interactions with their older parents and were either in a nuclear family or an extended family. They were purposefully selected via the researcher’s personal contacts for interviews using an in-depth interview guideline. Content analysis revealed three types of ageism, reflecting affective, cognitive, and behavioral components of ageism. As well as both positive and negative types of ageism. While the causes of ageism included internal aspects, which are views on older parents’ death and an understanding towards older parents, and external aspects, which are related to beliefs about caring for older parents. The effects of ageism show mainly positive aspects on both the psychological and physiological well-being of older parents. This novel study on ageism in Thai family suggested that young adults’ awareness of their older parents’ old age plays a crucial role in positive ageism towards their parents, which consequently benefits the parents. Results are beneficial for organizations dedicated to elderly and family. Using the current results, they can develop guidelines for strengthening young adults’ relationships with their older parents.
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