Intergenerational perceptions: Busting age-related stereotypes

The Old School project is an exciting and ambitious attempt to span the generational dived between the young and old to the mutual benefit of both groups. Whilst the primary aim of the project is to improve the conditions of both groups in society. Another benefit lies in the potential such relationships have for challenging and dispelling myths and stereotypes about age and aging.

Stereotypes are forms of generalisation where we attribute a feature or characteristic to a whole of people. For example, poor memory may be attributed to getting old. However, many people forget things irrespective of their age. If a fifteen year old forgets something we do not attribute that to aging.  Struggling to remember can be caused by a wide range of non-age related factors such as stress and should not be understood as an inevitable feature of aging.

Stereotypes often came into play when individuals from one group were asked about their perceptions of the other group. This may of course be an inevitable result of asking someone to communicate their view on a whole group of people belonging to a certain category. However, stereotypes do seem to play an important role in shaping attitudes and potentially norms.

The features of the Old School Project we are interested in at the OU are related to intergenerational perceptions. We are keen to explore how perceptions and stereotypes influence the development of relationships and communication.

Intergenerational perceptions and stereotypes:

Watch the following clips and see if you can identify the stereotypes at play in the descriptions offered. You may also want to note how and when stereotypes are challenged.

The following video clips explore some of the views participants in the project held about their corresponding generation prior to engagement with it:

Stereotypical views of older people

Charisma

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Stereotypical views of young people

Victor

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To what extent do you think the perceptions expressed in these clips are products of stereotyping? Are there examples where stereotypes are being challenged? Have your say in the Comments section.

Intergenerational Practice:

The Old School project illustrates one form of innovative intergenerational practice within a secondary school setting.

Intergenerational practice is the name to describe activities, programmes and projects that intentionally seek to bring young and older people together. Many of these already happen without the label being attached, but what is important is the intention of bringing the young and old together. Children and young people benefit from intergenerational activity in a variety of ways. Engaging with different groups of people who they would not usually mix with (such as older people) can encourage them to become active and involved citizens. Working across generations can address the negativity felt by adults towards younger generations, and combat some of the negative perceptions that younger people have of those they see as old. A long-term intergenerational relationship can provide young people with role models who can motivate and encourage young people to fulfil their potential.

 There are benefits for older people too. Engaging with young people can help them remain active as they age, learn new skills and to feel valued by society. This can help tackle the increasing isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people. Just as important, it can be a fun way of meeting new people by sharing and learning together.

Within the following clips The Hairy Bikers talk about their perception of the state of relationship between young and old, their inspiration, hopes and apsirations for the project:

Generational Perception

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To find out more about intergenerational practice, and the huge range of different projects, visit the website Generations Working Together.

What potential settings and benefits can you identify for projects that embrace intergenerational practice in your comminuity? Have your say in our discussion hub.

For intergenerational practice to be safe and effective it need to take place in a supported and managed environment. The Old School project benefitted from the involvement of a range of professionals form within the school and beyond. Safegaurding both the young and old ahs been a central feature of the project with volunteers being subject to suitability checks and ongoing supervision.

Further information about intergenerational projects and practice can be found here:

• Linking Generations Northern Ireland
• Linkage Bristol
• The European Map of Intergenerational Learning (EMIL)

Like this subject? See what the OU has to offer

The Open University also offers a range of related modules and qualifcations in working with young people. We also offer free courses on this subject.