Abstract:
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of individuals that live in the eastern and western parts of Turkey towards ageism and aging. Materials and Method: Participants of this descriptive study were convenience sampling method selected and the sample comprises 575 participants between the ages 18 and 50 (Erzurum 432, İzmir 143). The data were collected through Ageism Attitude Scale and demographic form. The data were evaluated in a statistics programme using t-test, mean and percentage calculations. Results: Results showed that the mean total scale score of individuals for İzmir was 68.76±8.74, whereas that for Erzurum was 68.66±6.72. Moreover, the results suggested that both these cities have a positive attitude towards ageism. No significant difference was found between scale subscales and the total score averages (p > 0.05) between these two cities. Individuals living in Izmir stated that they have associated elderliness with compassion, illness and weakness; whereas, individuals living in Erzurum associated elderliness with illness, wisdom and commitment. Conclusion: As a result of the research, it has been determined that there is no difference between the aged attitudes in the sample groups of eastern and western regions of Turkey. It has been determined that it is a positive attitude towards older persons. © 2017, Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.
