A view of old age through anxious eyes: The role of intergenerational and grandparental contact in aging anxiety and ageism in young adults

Abstract

This study examined how intergenerational relationships shape younger adults’ attitudes toward aging. Despite growing evidence linking intergenerational contact to age-related attitudes, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood. The objectives were to compare intergenerational contact, ageism, and aging anxiety among younger people; assess the influence of contact on ageism; and test whether aging anxiety mediates this relationship. A cross-sectional sample of 369 young adults took part in the study. Men reported higher ageism, while women showed greater anxiety about physical appearance and lower fear of older adults. Good grandparental health is associated with more frequent and affectionate contact between grandparents and grandchildren, while poor grandparental health is linked to heightened psychological concerns among young adults. More frequent and higher-quality intergenerational contact, as well as greater grandparental affection, reduced aging anxiety. Contact frequency directly predicted lower ageism and contact quality influenced ageism indirectly through aging anxiety. These findings advance understanding of the psychological mechanisms linking intergenerational contact and ageism, highlighting aging anxiety as an important explanatory factor. Findings underscore the value of meaningful intergenerational engagement in reducing ageism and promoting more positive attitudes toward aging.