UNDERMINING OLDER ADULTS’ AUTONOMY IN THE NAME OF HELP: NEGATIVE AGING ATTITUDES AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OUTCOMES
2024
Negative Aging Attitudes and Physical Health Outcomes
Sample size: 4288
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Zizhuo, Zhang Xin
Primary Institution: Peking University
Hypothesis
Does paternalistic help reflect negative aging attitudes that threaten older adults' physical health?
Conclusion
The study found that negative attitudes towards older adults can undermine their autonomy and negatively impact their physical health.
Supporting Evidence
- Younger adults preferred paternalistic help for older adults, believing it to be more effective.
- Negative attitudes towards older adults were linked to a preference for paternalistic help.
- A causal relationship was found where compromised autonomy negatively affected older adults' health.
Takeaway
When people try to help older adults by making decisions for them, it can actually harm their health and independence.
Methodology
The study included a survey of younger adults and an analysis of a nationally representative dataset over 10 years.
Participant Demographics
Younger adults and older adults from a nationally representative dataset.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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