Negative stereotypes about old age in Cuban population

Abstract

Introduction: Negative stereotypes towards old age encompass a system of biased perceptions, which have led to an unfavorable representation of aging and the stigmatization of older adults. Objective: To describe the negative stereotypes towards old age in the Cuban population and their possible relationships with individual sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional perspective was followed (December 2021 - May 2023) in a simple random probability sampling of 3 159 participants (≥18 years). All of them offered their informed consent and completed an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire and the Negative Stereotypes Questionnaire towards Old Age. Processing was done using SPSS-25/Windows. A mathematic calculation was used to determine the minimum sample size and its normality was examined. Frequency analyzes were performed. The T-test for independent samples was applied; one-factor ANOVA and the effect sizes were calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. Results: A predominance of moderate levels of negative stereotypes towards old age was found. The presence of stereotypes was higher in the younger and male participants. High educational levels and periodic contact with dependent older adults were related to lower levels of old age stereotypes. Conclusions: Negative stereotypes towards old age are moderate in the Cuban population, and are related to certain individual sociodemographic factors. The findings suggest the need to undertake a deeper study of the subject.

Keywords

• adulto mayor
• envejecimiento
• edadismo
• estereotipo
• vejez