Children's Drawings of the Elderly: Young Ideas Abandon Old Age Stereotypes

Abstract

Children's drawings often reveal their attitudes, feelings, and concerns about different issues. Many children have little interaction with the elderly and therefore have a limited conception about old age. A qualitative method of asking children to draw a picture of an old person and then explain or tell a story about the picture is a unique way to unlock the hidden attitudes children may hold. This study concluded that children are abandoning stereotypes related to the attitudes and abilities of older persons. Potential applications for teachers, family therapists, and art therapists are also presented.