PREFERENCE FOR AGE-HOMOGENEOUS VERSUS AGE-HETEROGENEOUS SOCIAL INTERACTION

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Abstract
A major argument made in favor of age-segregated services is that older people prefer and benefit from age-homogeneous social interaction. Past studies indicate that older people who are attracted to age-segregated services do indeed benefit from them. However, no evidence of a widespread preference for age homogeneous social interaction was found in previous investigations. A review of the theoretical and empirical literature did, however, suggest that a preference for age-homogeneity might be more characteristic of those considered target groups, for social services, such as the old-old, frail, isolated, poor, and minorities. The present study sought to assess this preference through secondary analysis of the national data from The Myth and Reality of Aging survey (Harris, 1975). All respondents 18 years of age or older were asked "Would you personally prefer to spend most of your time with people about your own age or with people of all different ages?" Two-thirds of persons under 65 and three-quarters of those 65 or over expressed a preference for interaction with people of all different ages. Among those 65 or over a preference for interaction limited to people ones own age was expressed by significantly higher proportions of males, ethnic minorities, poor, retirees, less educated, those experiencing problems indicative of role loss and need, and those with older age identifications. However, even among these subgroups, a majority still preferred interaction with people of all ages. No difference was found between the young-old and the old-old. Surprisingly, senior center members expressed an even higher preference for interaction with people of all ages than did nonmembers. It is recommended that the high level of interest expressed by both young and old in interacting with people of all ages is promising and should, therefore, be further explored. Optimal conditions conducive to such interaction need to be identified. It is also recommended that age-segregated service providers consider opportunities for cross-generational interaction in the design and planning of these programs. Finally, while age-segregated services are a desirable option for some older persons, they should not be relied upon exclusively to connect those in need with appropriate services. Multiple entry points into the service network should be encouraged.

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