1.1 Introduction
Elder abuse, encompassing physical, emotional, financial, and neglectful mistreatment of older individuals, remains a pressing concern worldwide (Dong, Simon, Mendes de Leon, Fulmer, & Beck, 2009). In contemporary societies, the aging population presents a significant demographic shift, fostering increased interactions between generations. However, alongside these interactions comes the potential for conflicts and misunderstandings, particularly in the realm of elder abuse and ageism. Understanding how youths perceive and respond to these issues is crucial for fostering intergenerational harmony and ensuring the well-being of older adults. Moreover, ageism, the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against individuals based on their age, perpetuates negative attitudes toward older adults, further exacerbating their vulnerability (Levy, Slade, Kunkel, & Kasl, 2002).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The aging population is a demographic phenomenon of global significance, with profound implications for social dynamics and public health. As societies age, understanding the challenges faced by older adults, including elder abuse and ageism, becomes increasingly important. Elder abuse, defined as any intentional act or failure to act that causes harm to an older person, remains a prevalent yet often overlooked issue (Acierno et al., 2010). Similarly, ageism, characterized by prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination against individuals based on their age, poses significant barriers to the well-being and dignity of older adults (North & Fiske, 2012). While research on elder abuse and ageism has expanded in recent years, there remains a gap in understanding how younger generations perceive and respond to these issues. Youths, as future caregivers, policymakers, and community members, play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and behaviors toward aging populations. Exploring youths' perceptions of elder abuse and ageism can provide valuable insights into potential intervention strategies to address these challenges effectively.
Previous studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of ageism on older adults' physical and mental health, as well as its impact on their access to resources and opportunities (Levy, 2009). Moreover, research has shown that perceptions of aging can influence individuals' attitudes and behaviors toward older adults, with negative stereotypes contributing to instances of elder abuse (Jackson & Hafemeister, 2012). Understanding the interplay between ageism and elder abuse is essential for developing holistic approaches to promote the well-being and dignity of older adults.
Despite the gravity of these issues, research focusing on youths' perceptions of elder abuse and ageism is limited. Understanding how youths conceptualize and respond to these phenomena is crucial, as they represent the future caregivers, policymakers, and advocates for aging populations. By exploring youths' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward elder abuse and ageism, we can identify potential intervention strategies to mitigate these issues and promote intergenerational solidarity.
Therefore, in Oshmili North Local Government of Delta State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Perception of Elder Abuse and Ageism Among Youths.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that despite the growing awareness of elder abuse and ageism, there remains a lack of understanding regarding youths' perceptions of these issues and their implications for intergenerational relationships and societal attitudes toward aging populations. This study aims to address the following key problems:
- Limited Research on Youths' Perspectives: There is a scarcity of research focusing on how youths perceive elder abuse and ageism, hindering our ability to develop targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address these issues effectively (Podnieks, 2005).
- Interplay Between Ageism and Elder Abuse: While ageism is recognized as a contributing factor to elder abuse, the specific mechanisms through which ageist attitudes manifest in abusive behaviors toward older adults remain poorly understood (Burnes, Sheppard, Henderson, & Wassel, 2017).
- Impact on Intergenerational Relationships: Negative perceptions of older adults and age-related stereotypes among youths may impede the development of positive intergenerational relationships and contribute to social isolation and marginalization of older individuals (Sarkisian & Gruenewald, 2009).
Furthermore, there is a need to identify gaps in educational curricula and policy frameworks related to elder abuse and ageism to better equip youths with the knowledge and skills necessary to support and advocate for older adults (Rathnayake & Chang, 2015). Addressing these problems is critical for fostering empathy, respect, and support for older adults within younger generations and promoting a more inclusive and age-friendly society.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the perception of elder abuse and ageism among youths in Oshmili North Local Government of Delta State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the effectiveness of existing educational initiatives and interventions aimed at promoting empathy and respect for older adults among youths;
- To examine youths' attitudes toward older adults and the extent to which ageist stereotypes influence their perceptions and interactions;
- To explore youths' awareness and understanding of elder abuse and risk factors;
- To identify potential barriers to intergenerational relationships and solidarity, stemming from ageism and misconceptions about aging;
- To investigate the prevalence of ageist attitudes among youths and their association with attitudes toward elder abuse; and
- To propose recommendations for enhancing educational curricula, community programs, and policy frameworks to address elder abuse and ageism from a youth-centric perspective.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are youths aware about elder abuse and risk factors?
- Does the existing educational initiatives and interventions aim at promoting empathy and respect for older adults among youths?
- What is the prevalence of ageist attitudes among youths and their association with attitudes toward elder abuse?
- What are the potential barriers to intergenerational relationships and solidarity, stemming from ageism and misconceptions about aging?
- What are the attitudes of youths' toward older adults and the extent to which ageist stereotypes influence their perceptions and interactions?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between youths' ageist attitudes and their perception of elder abuse.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between youths' ageist attitudes and their perception of elder abuse.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant difference in perceptions of elder abuse and ageism between male and female youths.
- H1: There is a significant difference in perceptions of elder abuse and ageism between male and female youths.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There is no association between youths' exposure to educational interventions on elder abuse and ageism and their attitudes toward aging populations.
- H1: There is association between youths' exposure to educational interventions on elder abuse and ageism and their attitudes toward aging populations.
1.7 Significance of Study
Understanding the perception of elder abuse and ageism among youths is of paramount importance due to several reasons:
- Future Caregivers and Decision-makers: Youths represent the future caregivers and decision-makers in society. Their attitudes and perceptions toward aging populations will significantly influence the quality of care and support provided to older adults in the future (Harwood, 2000).
- Prevention of Elder Abuse: By examining youths' awareness and understanding of elder abuse, interventions can be developed to prevent and address mistreatment of older adults, thereby promoting their safety and well-being (Jackson & Hafemeister, 2012).
- Promotion of Positive Intergenerational Relationships: Negative stereotypes and ageist attitudes can hinder the development of positive intergenerational relationships. Understanding youths' perceptions can inform initiatives aimed at fostering empathy, respect, and solidarity between generations (Sarkisian & Gruenewald, 2009).
- Educational Initiatives: Insights gained from this study can inform the development of educational curricula and community programs to raise awareness about elder abuse and ageism among youths, empowering them to advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults (Rathnayake & Chang, 2015).
- Policy Implications: Findings from this study can contribute to the formulation of policies and legislation aimed at addressing elder abuse and ageism, ensuring that the rights and interests of older adults are protected (Podnieks, 2005).
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Perception of Elder Abuse and Ageism Among Youths in Oshmili North Local Government of Delta State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Perception: The way in which individuals interpret and understand information, experiences, and stimuli. In this study, perception refers to youths' subjective understanding and awareness of elder abuse and ageism.
Elder Abuse: Any intentional act or failure to act that causes harm or distress to an older adult, often taking the form of physical, emotional, financial, or sexual mistreatment, as well as neglect (World Health Organization, 2002).
Ageism: Prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination against individuals based on their age, particularly against older adults (Butler, 1969). Ageism can manifest in various forms, including assumptions about cognitive decline, incompetence, and undesirability associated with aging.
Youths: Individuals in the younger age groups, typically adolescents and young adults, who have not yet reached middle age or older adulthood. In this study, youths refer to individuals aged between 15 and 24 years (United Nations, 2019).
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