Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

Ageing Stereotypes and Young Adults’ Attitudes Toward Older Adults’ Physical, Sports, and Cognitive Activities

Articles in Press
Abstract
Background and aim: Stereotypical beliefs are embedded in the cultural fabric of societies. With the expansion of knowledge and communication media, their prevalence is expected to decline. Assessing the extent to which these beliefs are held—particularly among younger generations—can provide a clearer understanding of cultural change. This study aimed to examine age-related stereotypes among young Iranian adults and explore their attitudes toward older adults’ physical, sports, and cognitive activities. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 young university students, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes. Based on the qualitative findings, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 252 undergraduate and graduate students. The reliability and validity of the instrument were evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that young adults’ attitudes toward aging could be categorized into three main dimensions: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. Perceptions of appropriate activities for older adults encompassed four themes: low-to-moderate intensity physical activities, sports participation considering physical limitations, light-to-moderate cognitive activities, and viewing aging as an opportunity for enjoyment and active engagement. Quantitative results indicated that the questionnaire items were well-fitted to the data and demonstrated acceptable reliability (ɑ= .73-.82). Conclusion: Young Iranian adults perceive older adults as having physical and cognitive limitations, suggesting that their activities should be relatively easy and moderate. Additionally, older adults are seen as occasionally irritable yet inclined to advise and share experiences. Aging is also perceived as a period suitable for rest, leisure, and engagement in light artistic or social activities. These stereotype-based beliefs may stem from societal views of older adults as less competent in structured occupational or social roles.

Keywords

Ageism
Age-Based Stereotypes
Sport performance
Cognitive Performance
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Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 October 2020