Age Stereotypes and Perceived Control of Health Predict COVID-19 Health- and Economy-Focused Beliefs

Ashley Lytle, Jamie Macdonald, Caitlin Monahan, Mary Beth Apriceno, Sheri R. Levy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

In March 2020, many U.S. states issued stay-at-home orders to reduce COVID-19 infections and deaths. In early messaging from governments and public health officials, older adults were often portrayed as vulnerable and frail, perpetuating negative age stereotypes. Thus, views of older adults were intertwined in discussions of whether to prioritize the economy versus public health. Among a community sample, greater endorsement of positive age stereotypes and a Democrat identity significantly predicted COVID-19 health-focused beliefs (reducing infections), whereas, younger age, greater perceived health control, and a Republican identity significantly predicted COVID-19 economy-focused beliefs (reopening economy). Implications and future directions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)285-298
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Intergenerational Relationships
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Age stereotypes
  • COVID-19
  • economic beliefs
  • health beliefs
  • political affiliation

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