Does the media create or reject an ageistic image of older persons?

Abstract

This research focuses on the media in relation to older adults. It seeks to establish whether the media creates or rejects an ageistic image of older adults. The researcher's main aim is in providing a better understanding of the underlying meanings transmitted through media. The first chapter introduces ageing as a phenomenon by highlighting various issues related to it. This is followed by the literature review, which highlights major theoretical approaches, which have influenced the understanding of age and ageing. The methodology, gives an overview of content analysis - the method which was applied in this research, discussing both its quantitative techniques and qualitative aspects. Categories considered in this study included frequency of appearance of older adults, gender, age, role, occupation, setting, family role and product. The final chapter is the discussion and concluding remarks following the results. It was concluded that the media does discriminate against certain age groups. The lack of older adults in the media suggests their marginal societal role. Moreover, males were represented more than females. However, the researcher does not believe that older adults are depicted in an overwhelmingly negative way.