The Effect of Intergenerational Life Satisfaction Levels on Attitudes Towards the Older Adults: The Case of Konya Province

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-8123632/v1

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Research Article

The Effect of Intergenerational Life Satisfaction Levels on Attitudes Towards the Older Adults: The Case of Konya Province

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8123632/v1

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Objective

This research aimed to examine the effect of life satisfaction levels across four different generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y, and Z) on their attitudes toward older people.

Methods

This cross-sectional and exploratory research was conducted in Konya, Türkiye. Data were collected online via Google Forms using a socio-demographic information form, the Adult Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Kogan Attitude Toward the Elderly Scale. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation, and regression analyses, with significance levels set at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01.

Findings:

Among the participants, 70.5% were aged 18–24, and 78.1% were women. No significant differences were found in attitudes toward the older adults based on demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). However, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between overall life satisfaction and attitudes toward older adults (r = 0.214; p = 0.002). Life satisfaction levels significantly differed according to participants’ educational status, income perception, and health condition (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that life satisfaction explained approximately 4.6% of the variance in attitudes toward the older adults.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that higher life satisfaction is associated with more positive attitudes toward older individuals. Educational status, income level, and health were identified as key factors influencing life satisfaction. Consequently, developing nursing and social interventions that enhance life satisfaction may help foster intergenerational understanding and promote more positive attitudes toward the older adults in society.

Attitude towards the older adults

Generations

Intergenerational

Life satisfaction

The world's population is ageing rapidly. Consequently, the number of individuals aged 65 and over is increasing much more rapidly than the number of individuals in any other age group. As of 2020, the number of individuals aged 65 and over worldwide has reached 728 million. Over the next 30 years, this number is expected to more than double, reaching 1.5 billion by 2050 (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2020). In our country, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the proportion of the older adult population within the total population was 8.8 per cent in 2018, rising to 10.2 per cent in 2023. These figures are projected to be 12.9 per cent in 2030, 16.3 per cent in 2040, 22.6 per cent in 2060 and 25.6 per cent in 2080 (TurkStat, 2024a).

Ageing manifests differently across societies, affecting and being affected by social structures, with individuals losing their individuality due to economic, political, cultural and familial reasons within the society in which they live. With the diversification of living conditions, attitudes and behaviours towards old age have varied across societies, and the process of ageing and the perception of old age have changed according to each society or culture. Social perceptions and acceptances regarding old age, experiences of old age and definitions of old age construct old age socially, and societies' perspectives on the older adult are shaped accordingly (Alaydin, 2019). These beliefs and attitudes towards the older adult affect many social issues, including health. In the past, older adult individuals were seen as wise, experienced, guiding figures who added value to society through their experiences, whereas today they are seen as people who may require varying levels of support, experiencing reduced social engagement or emotional well-being and experiencing changes in physical or cognitive abilities. This societal perspective on the older adult causes them to isolate themselves from society and experience feelings of loneliness, negatively impacting their life satisfaction (Ozturk et al., 2020).

Life satisfaction is among the important determinants of quality of life and overall well-being, and encompasses an individual's judgement of their quality of life and state of well-being. Life satisfaction is also influenced by various factors such as gender, health, age, educational status, income status, religion, environmental conditions, work life, marital status and social support (Ozgur et al., 2010). Older individuals with higher life satisfaction are more likely to comply with healthcare services (Yun et al., 2022). On the other hand, it is stated that older adult individuals who perceive negative social attitudes towards old age report lower life satisfaction and lower quality of life (Bratt & Fagerström, 2023). With the passage of time, and alongside the changes occurring in society due to the spread of industrialisation and urbanisation, older adults have taken on different social roles within society. In traditional societies, older adult individuals valued for their knowledge and experience maintain social respect, whereas in modern societies, this respect is increasingly challenged. This situation affects the social and biological integrity of the older adults (Cataloğlu, 2018). At the same time, with modern values replacing traditional ones, the older adults striving to maintain their current situation find it more difficult to adapt to life compared to the younger generation due to changing social values. This also leads to intergenerational conflict (Altunay & Ozkul, 2022). Generations have experienced significant changes from the past to the present. Individuals born between 1946 and 1964 are known as the Baby Boomer Generation, those born between 1965 and 1980 are known as Generation X, those born between 1981 and 1995 are known as Generation Y, and those born after 1996 are known as Generation Z (Guducu & Balci, 2015). When examining studies conducted at the national level, it is observed that research has been carried out on generations, but the results have not been linked to these generations' attitudes towards the older adults. These studies have mainly focused on ageing within specific generations (Kurtkapan, 2020; Sevim & Yildirim, 2023). In the future, negative attitudes towards the older adults may pose a significant public health problem by adversely affecting their health and well-being (Chang et al., 2020). Therefore, the research aimed to reveal the effect of the life satisfaction levels of four different generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z) on their attitudes towards the older adults.

Research Questions:

• Is there a significant difference between participants' life satisfaction and their attitudes towards the older adults based on their sociodemographic data?
• Is there a significant difference between the attitudes of different generations towards the older adults and their levels of life satisfaction?
Is there a relationship between participants' life satisfaction and their attitudes towards the older adults?

2.1. Type of Research

This cross-sectional correlational research was conducted between April and June 2025 in the Konya province.

2.2. Research Population and Sample

The research population consisted of individuals from the Baby Boomer, X, Y, and Z generations living in three central districts of Konya province. Quota sampling, a non-probability method, was used. The minimum required sample size to achieve a 95% confidence level with a 0.05 margin of error was 181 in the G-Power analysis, which referenced the study by Gumusoglu & Tambag (2023) for the sample size of the research. During the research, it was aimed to reach 210 people by taking 20 per cent more than the sample size calculated considering the possibility of loss. Finally, 210 eligible and consenting individuals formed the research sample.

2.3. Dependent and Independent Variables of the Research

The dependent variable of the research was attitudes towards the older adults, while the independent variables were the sociodemographic characteristics and life satisfaction levels of the Baby Boomer, X, Y, and Z generations.

2.4. Inclusion Criteria for the Research:

Being over 18 years of age,
Residing in the province of Konya,
Being able to communicate in Turkish,
Being able to read and write.

2.5. Exclusion Criteria for the Research:

Being over 79 years of age
Having a health condition that impairs communication.

2.6. Data Collection Tools

The data collection tools used in the research were the Sociodemographic Characteristics Data Form prepared by the researchers, Kogan's Attitude Scale Towards The Old People, and the Adults Life Satisfaction Scale.

2.6.1. Socio-demographic Characteristics Data Form

The socio-demographic characteristics form, prepared by the researchers through a literature review (Gumusoglu & Tambag, 2023; Kaba et al., 2018; Kurtkapan, 2020; Sevim & Yildirim, 2023) consisted of nine multiple-choice questions.

2.6.2. Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS)

The Adult Life Satisfaction Scale was developed by Kaba et al. (2018) to measure the life satisfaction of adult individuals. There are a total of 21 items on the scale. The scale is designed as a five-point Likert-type rating scale (1 = not at all appropriate, 2 = not appropriate, 3 = somewhat appropriate, 4 = appropriate, 5 = completely appropriate). The ALSS comprises a five-factor structure, with the first factor being general life satisfaction (items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6); the second factor being relationship satisfaction (items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11); the third factor is self-satisfaction (items 12, 13, 14, and 15); the fourth factor is social environment satisfaction (items 16, 17, and 18); and the fifth factor is job satisfaction (items 19, 20, and 21). The minimum score that can be obtained from the ALSS is 21, and the maximum score is 105. A high score on the scale indicates that the individual has positive thoughts about their own life. The Cronbach's alpha value of the original scale is 0.89 ((Kaba et al., 2018). In this research, Cronbach's Alpha value was found to be 0.88.

2.6.3. Kogan's Attitude Scale Towards Old People Scale (KAOP)

Kogan (1961) developed a 6-point Likert-type scale originally consisting of 34 items: 17 positive and 17 negative statements. Due to the structure of the scale, negative statements are scored from right to left as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, while positive statements are scored from left to right as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The scores obtained from all items are added together to arrive at the total score. The scale, which has undergone a Turkish validity and reliability study by Kilic & Adibelli (2011) has been adapted to consist of 26 items (13 positive, 13 negative). The total score range on the scale is 26–156, with a high score indicating a positive attitude and a low score indicating a negative attitude. It has been stated that the Cronbach Alpha value is 0.81 (Kiliç & Adibelli, 2011). In this research, the Cronbach Alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.70.

2.7. Data Collection

The data for this research was collected between April and June 2025 through face-to-face communication using an online link via Google Forms to reduce the carbon footprint. Participants were informed about the purpose of the research and their voluntary consent was obtained via the information form at the beginning of the questionnaire. Participants who had difficulty completing the questionnaire were assisted by researchers who read the questions aloud and facilitated their responses. On average, it took 10 minutes for each participant to complete the questionnaire.

2.8. Statistical Analysis of Data

The data obtained from the research were evaluated using IBM SPSS V25 analysis. The normality of the data distribution was examined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Where the assumption of normal distribution was met, the t-test for independent groups and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Quantitative data were presented as arithmetic mean ± standard deviation, while qualitative data were expressed as frequency (percentage). Spearman's correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables, and linear regression analysis was used to determine the effect on the level of attitude towards the older adult individuals. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05.

2.9. Ethics in Research

For this research, the necessary usage permissions were obtained from the authors of the relevant scales, and ethical approval was obtained from the XXX University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (Decision no: 2024/034 Decision date: 07/03/2024). During the data collection phase, participants were informed about the purpose of the research and the voluntary nature of participation, and their consent to participate in the research was obtained. Throughout all stages of the research process, actions were taken in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

70.5% of the participants in the research were aged 18–24, 78.1% were female, 67.6% had a university degree or higher, and 55.2% were single. 62.9% of participants were unemployed, 54.8% had an income equal to their expenses, 74.3% had social security, 49.5% perceived their general health as good, and 82.9% had no chronic illnesses. When comparing the demographic characteristics of participants with the mean and standard deviations of the Kogan Attitude Scale Towards The Old People, no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05; Table 1).

Table 1
Comparison of Participants' Socio-Demographic Characteristics with the Kogan Attitude Scale Towards Old People
Variables		Frequency		KAOP
Variables		n	%	‾X ± SD	t/F	p
Age*	18–24	148	70.5	124.25 ± 20.37	0.549	0.649
	25–44	28	13.3	124.70 ± 15.23
	45–59	24	11.4	121.46 ± 13.82
	60–78	10	4.8	123.30 ± 4.29
Gender	Female	164	78.1	122.32 ± 14.62	0.039	0.950
	Male	46	21.9	122.14 ± 15.15
Educational Status	Primary education	21	10	128.52 ± 14.09	2.160	0.118
	High School	47	22.4	121.06 ± 17.63
	University and above	142	67.6	121.78 ± 13.57
Employment Status	Working	78	37.1	121.79 ± 15.70	1.043	0.706
	Not working	132	62.9	122.59 ± 14.12
Perceived Income Level	Income is Less than Expenditure	61	29	123.83 ± 17.43	0.551	0.577
	Income is Equal to Expenditure	115	54.8	121.40 ± 13.93
	Income is More than Expenditure	34	16.2	122.55 ± 11.73
Marital Status	Married	72	34.6	123.12 ± 15.87	0.257	0.773
	Single	116	55.2	121.63 ± 13.98
	Has a partner	22	10.5	123.04 ± 14.95
Social Security	Yes	156	74.3	122.79 ± 14.51	0.013	0.404
	No	54	25.7	120.85 ± 15.27
Perception of Overall Health Status	Poor	6	2.9	126.83 ± 9.74	2.865	0.059
	Average	100	47.6	124.52 ± 15.32
	Good	104	49.5	119.89 ± 14.01
Chronic Disease	Yes	36	17.1	122.91 ± 15.01	0.004	0.781
	No	174	82.9	122.16 ± 14.67
In statistical analysis, n: Total Number of Participants; %: Percentage, minimum-maximum, ‾X ± SD: mean ± standard deviation, frequency values were used. p: significance test, t: t-test for independent groups; F: *Used for one-way ANOVA analyses.

When examining the demographic data of participants alongside their Adults Life Satisfaction Scale scores, a significant difference was observed in educational status, income level, and overall health perception (p < 0.05). When the effect of these sociodemographic variables on life satisfaction was examined using post hoc analysis, it was observed that individuals with a university degree or higher, individuals whose income exceeded their expenses, and individuals who perceived their health as good had significantly higher life satisfaction (p < 0.05) (Table 2).

Table 2
Comparison of Participants' Demographic Characteristics with Their Level of Adult Life Satisfaction
Variables		Frequency		ALSS
Variables		n	%	‾X ± SD	t/F	p
Age	18–24	148	70.5	75.35 ± 13.09	1.961	0.121
	25–44	28	13.3	72.42 ± 13.21
	45–59	24	11.4	11.84 ± 2.41
	60–78	10	4.8	13.93 ± 4.40
Gender	Female	164	78.1	74.98 ± 12.82	0.309	0.159
	Male	46	21.9	78.06 ± 13.91
Education	Primary ^a	21	10	77.28 ± 13.87	3.043	0.049
	High school ^b	47	22.4	71.55 ± 14.83
	University and above ^c	142	67.6	76.77 ± 12.16
				c > b
Employment	Working	78	37.1	75.98 ± 11.93	1.912	0.780
	Not working	132	62.9	75.46 ± 13.78
Income Perception	Less than expense ^a	61	29	72.21 ± 14.29	4.346	0.014
	Equal to expense ^b	115	54.8	76.14 ± 12.90
	More than expense ^c	34	16.2	80.17 ± 9.83
				c > a
Marital Status	Married	72	34.6	77.91 ± 12.68	2.492	0.085
	Single	116	55.2	73.85 ± 13.45
	Partner	22	10.5	77.77 ± 11.56
Social Security	Yes	156	74.3	76.56 ± 13.15	0.025	0.088
	No	54	25.7	73.03 ± 12.69
	Poor ^a	6	2.9	73.16 ± 23.72	5.943	0.003
General Health Perception	Moderate ^b	100	47.6	72.61 ± 11.22
	Good ^c	104	49.5	78.73 ± 13.45 c > b
Chronic Disease	Yes	36	17.1	76.91 ± 12.48	0.457	0.528
	No	174	82.9	75.39 ± 13.24
In statistical analysis, n: Total Number of Participants; %: Percentage, minimum-maximum, ‾X ± SD: mean ± standard deviation, frequency values were used. t: t-test for independent groups.

The results of the analysis conducted to examine whether participants' attitudes towards the the older adults and their levels of life satisfaction differed across generations showed that the total scores on the Kogan Attitude Scale Towards Old People did not differ significantly across generations (F = 0.549; p = 0.649). According to this result, Generation Z (Mean = 124.25 ± 20.37), Generation Y (Mean = 124.70 ± 15.23), Generation X (Mean = 121.46 ± 13.82), and the Baby Boomers generation (Mean = 123.30 ± 4.29) did not differ significantly in terms of their attitudes towards the the older adults (Table 3).

Table 3
Comparison of Kogan Attitude Towards the Old People Scale and Adult Life Satisfaction Scale Scores Across Generations
Variables	Kogan Attitude Towards the Old People			Adult Life Satisfaction Scale
	Mean ± SD	F	p	Mean ± SD	F	p
Generation Z	124.25 ± 20.37	0.549 0.649		75.35 ± 13,09	1.961 0.121
Generation Y	124.70 ± 15.23			72.42 ± 13,21
Generation X	121.46 ± 13.82			81.00 ± 11,84
Baby Boomers	123.30 ± 4.29			76.40 ± 13,93
Mean ± SD (Mean ± Standard Deviation)

According to the results of the Pearson correlation analysis conducted to examine the relationship between participants' adults life satisfaction and their attitudes towards the older adults, a positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the total score on the Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS) and the total score on the Kogan Attitudes Towards Old People Scale (KAOP) (r = 0.214; p < 0.01). This finding indicates that as individuals' life satisfaction increases, their attitudes towards the older adults also tend to become more positive. Furthermore, high levels of positive and significant correlations were observed between the total ALSS score and its sub-dimensions (job satisfaction, overall life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, self-satisfaction, and social environment satisfaction) (all r values > 0.68; p < 0.01). This situation supports the multidimensional structure of life satisfaction. When examining the subscales of KAOP, a negative and low-level significant relationship was found between the positive and negative subscales (r = − 0.239; p < 0.01). This result showed that as individuals' positive attitudes towards the older adults increased, their negative attitudes decreased (Table 4).

Table 4
Relationship Between Participants' Adult Life Satisfaction Scale Total and Subscale Scores and Kogan Attitudes Toward Old People Scale Total and Subscale Scores (n = 210)
	ALSS	Job Satisfaction	Overall Life Satisfaction	Relationship Satisfaction	Self-Satisfaction	Social Environment Satisfaction	KAOP	KAOP Positive		KAOP Negative
ALSS	1	0.722**	0.737**	0.727**	0.735**	0.680**	0.214**	0.234**		0.142*
Job Satisfaction	0.722**	1	0.476**	0.341**	0.397**	0.397**
Overall Life Satisfaction	0.737**	0.476**	1	0.350**	0.386**	0.375**
Relationship Satisfaction	0.727**	0.341**	0.350**	1	0.516**	0.354**
Self-Satisfaction	0.735**	0.397**	0.386**	0.516**	1	0.408**
Social Environment Satisfaction	0.680**	0.397**	0.375**	0.354**	0.408**	1
KAOP	0.214**						1	.618**	.616**
KAOP Positive	0.234**						0.618**	1	−0.239**
KAOP Negative	0.142*						0.616**	−0.239**	1
r: Pearson correlation analysis, : p < 0.05; *: p < 0.01.

When the effect of life satisfaction levels on attitudes towards the older adults was examined using regression analysis, the model was found to be significant (F = 10.013; p = 0.002). According to the regression model, the life satisfaction score explains approximately 4.6% of the attitude score towards the older adults (R² = 0.046). Looking at the regression coefficients, it can be seen that life satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on attitudes towards the older adults (B = 0.240; SE = 0.076; β = 0.214; t = 3.164; p = 0.002). This result indicates that a one-unit increase in participants' life satisfaction score leads to an approximate 0.240-unit increase in their attitude score towards the older adults (Table 5).

Table 5
The Effect of Life Satisfaction Score on Kogan Attitudes Toward Old People
Kogan Attitudes Toward Old People	B	Se	Z ß	t	p	%95 Confidence Interval for β
						Lower Limit	Upper Limit
Model
Constant	104.10	5.83	-	17.84	0.000	92,59	115.60
Adult Life Satisfaction	0.240	0.076	214	3.164	0.002	0.091	0.390
Model Significance: F = 10.013 p = 0.002; R² = .046; Adjusted R²: 0.41 β: Regression coefficient, SE: Standard error, zβ: Standardized regression coefficient, R²: Coefficient of determination. Bold sections indicate statistically significant results (p < 0.05).

The increasing ageing of societies necessitates that attitudes towards the older adults individuals be addressed within the context of intergenerational interaction (Donizzetti, 2019) The literature reports significant differences in perceptions and attitudes of different generations towards the older adults (Donizzetti, 2019; Hutchison, 2010; López-Hernández et al., 2021). However, this research did not find any significant differences between generations. The literature reports that individuals who have had positive experiences with the older adults relatives in the past tend to display more positive attitudes towards the older adults (López-Hernández et al., 2021). However, a study conducted with a group of people aged 70 and over revealed that discrimination against the older adults are most often perpetrated by the older adults themselves (Hellbusch et al., 1995). This situation may be one of the possible reasons explaining why no difference was found between generations in the current research.

The transformation of family structures in Turkey also directly affects intergenerational interactions. In some regions, the persistence of extended family structures allows for continued daily contact with the older adults, while in regions where the nuclear family model is more widespread, the reduction in time spent with the older adults limits intergenerational communication (TurkStat, 2024b). The literature indicates that young people who frequently interact with the older adult individuals develop more positive attitudes (Aday et al., 1991; Hutchison, 2010). Therefore, the absence of generational differences observed in this research can be explained by limited interaction due to the effects of social transformation, changes in family structure, and the reflection of the older adult's own attitudes in intergenerational perceptions.

Research findings reveal significant differences between participants' demographic characteristics and their Adult Life Satisfaction Scale scores. Increased life satisfaction strengthens individuals' self-esteem and positive outlook on life (Cakar & Karatas, 2017). The research revealed that factors such as educational status, perceived income level and general health perception are important determinants of adults life satisfaction. These findings are consistent with the existing literatu.re (Choi et al., 2023; Durand-Sanchez et al., 2023; Papi & Cheraghi, 2021; Park, 2022).

The research found that participants with university-level education and above, as well as high-income participants, had higher life satisfaction scores. Diener et al. (2013), noted that educational level has a significant effect on life satisfaction and stated that individuals with higher levels of education perceive their quality of life to be higher. The results of a study by Park (2022) examining life satisfaction among the older adult individuals indicate that both educational attainment and income level affect life satisfaction, while another study by Choi et al. (2023) states that income level affects life satisfaction. The findings from this research reveal that life satisfaction is influenced by sociodemographic variables such as education and income, and this is supported by the literature. In this regard, it can be interpreted that life satisfaction may have been affected, based on the assumption that individuals with a higher level of education are better able to evaluate opportunities in their lives and have greater knowledge regarding access to social resourcesThe effect of perceived income level on life satisfaction demonstrates how economic factors shape individuals' overall perception of happiness and contentment. Similarly, Nakamura et al. (2022) reported that income level has a significant impact on life satisfaction. Therefore, it is thought that as individuals' incomes increase, they find it less difficult to meet their basic needs, and this situation raises their life satisfaction.

Another finding from the research is that general health perception is a factor affecting life satisfaction. Health status can shape overall life satisfaction by directly affecting individuals' daily activities and social interactions. The effect of positive health perception on life satisfaction is also reported positively in studies by Durand-Sanchez et al. (2023) and Kim et al. (2021). The research findings support this strong relationship between health and life satisfaction. This finding also suggests that intergenerational perceptions of health affect life satisfaction, making them an important factor in understanding intergenerational interactions and attitudes towards the older adults.

When the findings were evaluated according to the level of attitude towards the older adults, no significant difference was found between the participants' demographic characteristics and their Kogan’s Attitude Scale for Old People scores. It is thought that this may be due to the research group consisting largely of young adults (aged 18–24) and individuals with a high level of education. It is also thought that the fact that the majority of participants perceived their health status as good and did not have any chronic illnesses may have influenced this result. Contrary to the research findings, there was also a study in the literature indicating that young individuals' attitudes towards the older adults were more positive (Turkyilmaz et al., 2024). In a study conducted by Low et al. (2013), it was stated that having a chronic illness in individuals was associated with deteriorating health and negatively affected their attitude towards ageing. Therefore, the health status and chronic disease experiences of younger adults generations can be considered an important factor shaping their attitudes towards the older adults; it is thought that these health-based differences in intergenerational comparisons may lead to diversity in attitudes.

The regression analysis revealed that increased life satisfaction was associated with a more positive attitude towards the older adults. However, the explanatory power of the variable was limited. This suggests that other factors influencing attitudes towards the older adults may also play a role. According to the findings of North & Fiske (2015), while one might expect attitudes towards the the older adults to be more positive in more traditional societies such as those in Asia and the East, the study's findings reported the opposite outcome. A study conducted in Poland found that individuals of different ages reported moderate life satisfaction levels, but their attitudes towards the older adults were negative (Krajewska-Kułak et al., 2021). Similarly, a study conducted byYao et al. (2018) indicated that negative behaviours perceived by the older adults towards themselves negatively affect life satisfaction. Considering all these findings, it can be said that attitudes towards the older adults are influenced not only by life satisfaction but also by cultural differences, social structure and levels of individualisation. In this respect, the research contributes to the literature on intergenerational attitudes towards the older adults in the Turkish context and indicates that sociocultural factors need to be examined more comprehensively in future research.

This research examined the effect of life satisfaction levels across four generations on their attitudes towards the older adults. It revealed that increased life satisfaction significantly influenced more positive attitudes towards the older adult individuals. However, the limited power of life satisfaction in explaining attitudes towards the older adults shows that perceptions of the older adults are shaped not only by individual well-being but also by multidimensional variables such as cultural values, social norms, family structure and intergenerational interaction. While more positive attitudes towards the older adults are expected in traditional societies, the findings of this research call this generalisation into question.

In light of the results obtained, nursing education should focus on cultural differences in the older adults individuals; awareness should be raised regarding the role of the older adults in society and how they are perceived. Furthermore, community-based health policies should be structured in a way that prevents negative attitudes towards the older adult individuals and supports intergenerational solidarity. Future research examining the factors influencing attitudes towards the older adults in greater depth and using qualitative methods will contribute to understanding the belief and value systems underlying individuals' attitudes.

As this research was conducted using a cross-sectional design and the sample was limited to the province of Konya, the generalisability of the results is restricted. The fact that the majority of participants were young people limited intergenerational comparisons. As the data were collected via self-report, responses may have been influenced by social desirability. Furthermore, the collection of only quantitative data made it difficult to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons for attitudes towards the older adults.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The study was conducted independently by the author without external financial support.

Author Contribution

Both authors contributed equally to all aspects of the study.Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft, Writing – Review & Editing, Visualization, Supervision, and Project Administration: Naciye Esra Koyuncu and Berna Bayır.Both authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to all participants who generously shared their time and experiences for this study. Special thanks are extended to the experts who provided valuable feedback during the development of the data collection tools and to the colleagues who supported the data collection process. The authors also acknowledge the contribution of the Ethics Committee of XXX University for their guidance and approval.

Data Availability

Due to ethical and privacy considerations, the data collected in this study include personal and sensitive participant information and therefore cannot be shared publicly. In accordance with the informed consent provided to participants, the data are to be used solely for research purposes and will not be disclosed or distributed to third parties.

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The Effect of Intergenerational Life Satisfaction Levels on Attitudes Towards the Older Adults: The Case of Konya Province

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Abstract

Objective

Methods

Findings:

Conclusion

1. INTRODUCTION

2. METHOD

2.1. Type of Research

2.2. Research Population and Sample

2.3. Dependent and Independent Variables of the Research

2.6. Data Collection Tools

2.6.1. Socio-demographic Characteristics Data Form

2.6.2. Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS)

2.6.3. Kogan's Attitude Scale Towards Old People Scale (KAOP)

2.7. Data Collection

2.8. Statistical Analysis of Data

2.9. Ethics in Research

3. RESULTS

4. DISCUSSION

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

6. Limitations of the Research

Declarations

Funding

Author Contribution

Acknowledgement

Data Availability

References

Additional Declarations

Status:

Version 1