Stereotypes and Perceptions of the Elderly by the Youth in Nigeria: Implications for Social Policy

This study investigates stereotypes and perceptions of the elderly by youths, their effects on intergenerational relations, and the implications for traditional social support systems and social policy in Nigeria. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 800youths aged 15 to 30 and selected through a stratified random sampling process from both rural and urban areas of Anambra State of Nigeria. Four focus group discussion sessions also were conducted. Results show that Nigerian youths do not see the elderly as making too many demands on their children. The respondents, however, possess a number of aging stereotypes. They believe that the elderly behave like children and are sickly, conservative, suspicious, and secretive. Having stereotypes is related to level of education but not to gender, age, or place of residence. The policy implications of these findings are discussed and a new approach to care for the elderly recommended.