Elderly people in children’s literature : a study of a book selection from 2003-2006

The aim of this master’s thesis is to examine how elderly people are depicted in a selection of literature for children up to 10 years. The subjects examined are: lifestyle, roles and attributes. The books were collected from the databases ELSA and a local library, Borås stadsbibliotek. The books are analysed after a tool made by the authors. It was created from knowledge of similar studies and the holistic way of looking at ageing that is used in the academic study of gerontology. It means that both psychosocial and physiological factors are considered. The study showed varied forms of lifestyle for the elderly people, although most of them were living alone. Physiological incapability’s was rarely described, whereas psychological condition was more frequent described. The most common role for the elderly was either as substitutes for parents or neighbours to the child. The illustrations of the elderly often showed grey hair, a bent posture and traditional clothing.Uppsatsnivå: