Attitudes about Old Age: Children, Adolescents, Grandparents and Intergenerationality

Abstract

Human longevity imposes new challenges and opportunities on the Brazilian social and family configuration. Intergenerational interventions provide opportunities for exchange, reflection and discussion in order to minimize conflicts, to stimulate coexistence and to develop more favorable or positive attitudes about old age. The objective of this study was to carry out an integrative review of the Portuguese language literature based on scientific articles relative to attitudes about old age of children and adolescents from 2012 to 2017, focusing on intergenerational activities and the role of grandparents. We selected 13 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Attitudes about old age are manifold, associating with cohabitation, arrangement and family roles, intergenerational conflicts, coexistence with older people, and socio-demographic conditions. Despite the variability of the studies, most emphasized the instrumental and emotional support of the grandparents, as well as the benefits of intergenerational interventions. Methodological issues are highlighted, as well as the need to investigate male grandparents and caregivers grandparents.

Keywords

• envelhecimento
• atitude
• criança
• avós
• relações familiares
• relações entre gerações