DefinePK

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the perception of old age and respect towards old people among young adults. A sample of 132 participants from two academic institutions of Karachi, Pakistan was assessed. The sample comprised of both males (n = 69) and females (n = 63). The age group of participants ranged from 19 to 30 years (M = 21.44, SD = 1.86) and they belonged to socioeconomic strata ranging from middle-middle class to upper-middle class. The participants were selected from nuclear and joint family systems. They were surveyed using Expectations Regarding Aging – 12 Survey form (Sarkisian, Steers, Hays, & Mangione, 2005) and the Refined Aging Semantic Differential form (Polizzi, 2003) to analyze perception of old age and respect towards old people, respectively. The results revealed a weak positive correlation (p = .04) between perception of old age and respect towards old people in young adults. The findings emphasize the significance of bolstering positive perception of aging among young adults.