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Abstract
The present investigation measured children's attitudes toward the elderly. Some fifth and sixth graders from a Long Island school district made visits during the school year to a neighboring nursing home. Children's attitudes toward residents were measured using the semantic differential scale of the CATE (Children's Attitudes Toward the Elderly). The study also examined whether there was an effect on well being of nursing home residents. Well being was considered to be a function of level of depression, life satisfaction and self concept.
Results showed no significant differences in well being of the nursing home residents as an effect of the children's visits. However, upon interview, residents stated that they enjoyed the visits and commented that seeing the children reminded them of their own youth. The children's attitudes were affected. Those children who visited the nursing home had significantly more positive attitudes toward the elderly than children who made no visits. These results suggest that contact with the elderly can break stereotypes and inculcate positive attitudes toward aging and the elderly.
