CAE GOLD REPORT UNIT 3

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEW ON AGE – AN OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

The main objectives of this report are to describe how the younger generation in Leeds feel
about elderly people in the area and aging themselves. I will present the results of a
questionnaire conducted among a random selection of 200 young students at a local high
school and go on to make suggestions as to how attitudes could be improved.

ATTITUDES TOWARDS OLDER PEOPLE

According to the survey, a significant proportion of young people never or hardly ever spend
time with someone aged over 65. Reasons that respondents gave for this included, having
nothing in common, the elderly not liking teenagers and the general lack of time to dedicate to
getting to know aging generations. More promisingly, nearly three quarters of those surveyed
agreed that something could be learnt from older people.

ATTUTUDES TO AGING

Those responding to the survey were almost equally split between preferring to think about it
as little as possible and those who spend time worrying about it. For those who did think about
it, the prime concerns were loneliness and poor health in their twilight years as well as the
enormous responsibilities they would have in adulthood, such as being financially
independent, bringing up children or getting on the property ladder. A small number expressed
a worry about their physical appearance and how that would change over coming years like
getting wrinkles.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Clearly more could be done to bridge the gap between the young and the old in this
community. I would make the following recommendations:

 A volunteer scheme could be set up for elderly citizens to help younger people at high
school with academic work or practical skills.
 Young people could be invited to tutor older people in technology use, e.g. how to
text or send emails in return for a donation to be used for social events for all ages in
the community.
 Up-to-date information on cosmetic procedures should make available through
healthcare professionals for those who would consider these kinds of treatments.

CONCLUSION

I strongly believe that increased contact between generational groups will lead to greater
understanding and more positive attitudes.