Changes in Adolescents’ Perceptions of the Aged: The Effects of Intergenerational Contact

Changes in adolescents’ perceptions of people over 60 years old occurred following two months of daily intergenerational contact in a naturalistic setting (i.e., the school lunch period). Sixth‐, seventh‐, and eighth‐graders’ perceptions of the aged became less negative and less stereotyped. Boys had more negative stereotyped perceptions of the aged than girls, and the girls indicated greater willingness to interact with the elderly. Girls changed their perceptions of the aged more than boys, and younger adolescents changed their perceptions more than older adolescents. Most of the changes in perceptions occurred in response to two types of items: those focusing on physical characteristics and those dealing with aspects of insecurity. These results and suggestions for future research are discussed in relation to previous studies on educational experiences that shape adolescents’ attitudes and stereotyped perceptions toward aging and the aged.