Examining Myths and Realities of Old Age:A Qualitative Study

The purpose of the present study was to garner a holistic understanding about the prevalence of myths of old age from the perspectives of both the young and the old. A sample of 40 participants (20 young, 20 old) was selected using purposive sampling keeping in mind the family structure joint v/s nuclear. Using a semi structured questionnaire, the participants (both male & female) were asked to reflect on 8 popular myths of old age like "To be Old is to be Sick" and their responses were analysed thematically and comparatively keeping the demographic variables in mind. The results indicate that the two age groups differ in many ways especially in the way they rationalize the old age. Further the type of family system joint or nuclear also has repercussions in the understandings that are created about the reality of old age, making space for myths and stereotypes. Such an exploration of persisting myths allows for breaking the ageist stereotypes and bringing about reform in public policy and gerontological education and creating useful interventions for the ageing workforce.