Attitudes Toward Aging as Shown by Humor
Open Access
- 1 September 1971
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in The Gerontologist
- Vol. 11 (3 Part 1) , 181-186
- https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/11.3_part_1.181
Abstract
Content analysis of jokes about aging show that the majority reflect a negative view of aging, especially those dealing with physical ability or appearance, age concealment, old maids, and mental abilities. Jokes implying an activity theory of aging are more positive than those implying a disengagement theory. Those dealing with aged women are more negative than those dealing with aged men, which suggests that our society may have a “double standard” in which aging among women is viewed more negatively than aging among men.Keywords
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