Images of Aging in America, 1994

During 1994, the American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP) conducted a survey to explore the different images,
perceptions, and attitudes that Americans have toward aging, how those
images have shifted over time, and how perceptions of aging differ
among population subgroups. Respondents were asked about the factors
that determine when men and women become "old," the best and worst
things about being over 65, and problems experienced before and after
age 65. Regarding intergenerational conflict, respondents were queried
about levels of respect between people over 65 and people younger than
65, influence exerted by retired persons, and the share of government
benefits allocated to older persons. Other areas of investigation
focused on life satisfaction, health status, anxiety levels, and
levels of contact with people aged 65 and older. Demographic
characteristics of respondents include age, sex, marital status,
living situation, and employment status.