This article describes the findings of a focus group study designed to discover young and middle aged attitudes towards the subject of age and dignity. 89 focus groups were carried out with 505 participants aged between 13 and 59 years from the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Slovakia and Sweden. The results confirmed that dignity was important to people of all ages but particularly to older people. Being treated as an individual was critical for the maintenance of dignity. In the participating countries older people were generally treated negatively and undervalued and seen as vulnerable, second-class citizens. Old age was seen as a time for physical and mental deterioration, poverty and dependency. Suggestions for enhancing dignity included greater public awareness about dignity for older people and existing care and support services. Health policies should also tackle ageism in service provision and the developments of standards in health and social care.
This article describes the findings of a focus group study designed to discover young and middle aged attitudes towards the subject of age and dignity. 89 focus groups were carried out with 505 participants aged between 13 and 59 years from the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Slovakia and Sweden. The results confirmed that dignity was important to people of all ages but particularly to older people. Being treated as an individual was critical for the maintenance of dignity. In the participating countries older people were generally treated negatively and undervalued and seen as vulnerable, second-class citizens. Old age was seen as a time for physical and mental deterioration, poverty and dependency. Suggestions for enhancing dignity included greater public awareness about dignity for older people and existing care and support services. Health policies should also tackle ageism in service provision and the developments of standards in health and social care.
Subject terms:
older people, public opinion, quality of life, self-determination, self-esteem, age discrimination, ageing, attitudes, focus groups;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
France, Ireland, Sweden, Slovak Republic, Spain, United Kingdom