Percepciones de niños y niñas sobre envejecimiento activo y saludable

Abstract

The aging process has been study in recent years from different disciplines like Psychology, Sociology, Pedagogy, Social education, etc. Our society broadcasts in recent years researches trying to modify the image of the aging-related stereotypes to promote a new form of active and healthy ageing. It is important that this diffusion of the new concept of active and healthy aging occurs from early ages involving seniors, schools and the family. The aim of our research is to know the children´s ideas about the aging process to develop intergenerational programs of intervention including family and schools to promote active and healthy ageing. The sample selected consists of 180 boys and girls from three schools in Seville, aged between 9 and 12 years old. The intervention program has lasted seven months in which 10 sessions worked with different tools and techniques. The results indicate that following the intervention the children´s ideas of elder people changed in a high percentage, being eradicated many of the stereotypes related to ageing at the beginning of the intervention. Data indicates that an intervention with children in this age can change their idea about the aging process; contemplating the elderly as people who can exchange experiences and active in society.