Older people's portrayal in the print media: implications for intergenerational relations

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of older people in a residential care facility regarding how they are portrayed in the print media and the implications of such portrayal for intergenerational relations. Twenty-one older residents in a residential care facility participated voluntarily in the study (men = 9, women = 12; age range 60 to 85 years). Data were collected using exploratory interviews and focus groups followed by the thematic analysis of the data. The findings suggest that the older people perceived their portrayal in the print media as minimal, marginalized and stereotypical. Such portrayals could negatively influence younger people's perceptions of older people and consequently compromise sound intergenerational relations. The older people in the study recommended that the print media should also portray older people who display agency in interpersonal relations as well as positive ageing.