The relationship between awareness of ageism, participation in leisure activities, and self-concept in the elderly

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between awareness of ageism, participation in leisure activities, and self-concept in the elderly. Twenty independently living elderly individuals between the ages of 65 and 95 participated in this study. These individuals were also residents of an elderly apartment complex in northeast Pennsylvania. The study included multiple sources of data including a demographic survey, the Ageism Survey, and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. Both the Ageism Survey and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale are standardized, self-report measures. The results indicated that elderly individuals who spend less time watching television and more time participating in leisure activities outside of their home have a higher level of awareness for ageism. On the other hand, elderly individuals who spend more time watching television have a lower level of awareness for ageism. These results suggest that awareness of ageism may be dependent on context. It is thought that pervasive stereotypes and misapprehensions about the elderly are maintained because they are woven into our social fabric. Occupational therapists are well equipped to facilitate change in societal attitudes on aging by specifically educating occupational therapy students and the public on the impact of ageism and the need for advocacy to benefit the elderly