Keep Toddlers from Developing Aging Sterotypes
08/24/09, East Hartford

Sheree Kwong See and Elena Nicoladis, psychology researchers at the University of Alberta, found that some toddlers as young as two or three years of age have the same negative stereotypes of aging as do adults.

The study, which will be published in the journal, Educational Gerontology, showed that the more exposure very young children had to grandparents, who spoke to them frequently to help them learn language skills, the less likely toddlers were to develop and exhibit ageism.

The study also revealed that children were receiving negative images of aging from watching other people interact with older adults. Children also saw negative images of older adults through cartoons and story books.

Positive interactions with older adults might very well help toddlers' self concept as they grow and age, avoiding a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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