Perceptions of older adults and generativity among older citizens in Japan: a descriptive cross-sectional study
10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0063
- Author:
Yuho SHIMIZU
1
;
Tomoya TAKAHASHI
;
Kenichiro SATO
;
Susumu OGAWA
;
Daisuke CHO
;
Yoshifumi TAKAHASHI
;
Daichi YAMASHIRO
;
Yan LI
;
Keigo HINAKURA
;
Ai IIZUKA
;
Tomoki FURUYA
;
Hiroyuki SUZUKI
Author Information
1. Research Team for Social Participation and Healthy Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Publication Type:Short Communication
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2023;14(5):427-432
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:As the population ages worldwide, including in Japan, there is a growing expectation for older adults to remain active participants in society. The act of sharing one’s experiences and knowledge with younger generations through social engagement not onlyenriches the lives of older individuals, but also holds significant value for our society. In thisstudy, we examined both positive and negative perceptions of older adults and investigated the correlation between these perceptions and generativity among older citizens. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of life satisfaction on these factors.
Methods:We conducted a survey of 100 older adults in Japan (mean age, 71.68 years) and utilized multiple regression analyses, using positive and negative perceptions of older adults, life satisfaction, and demographic factors as independent variables. The sub-categories of generativity—namely, generative action, concern, and accomplishment—were used as dependent variables.
Results:Participants who held a more positive perception of older adults demonstrated a higher level of generative actions and concerns. Additionally, participants who reported higher levels of life satisfaction also exhibited more generative actions, concerns, and accomplishments. Conversely, those who held a more negative perception of older adults were found to have higher levels of generative actions.
Conclusion:Enhancing positive perceptions of older adults among them can boost the subcategories of generativity. This study, which was conducted from an exploratory perspective, has several limitations, including a potential sampling bias. A more comprehensive examination of the relationship between perceptions of older adults and generativity is anticipated in future research.
