Abstract
M.A.
This study aimed to explore the perceptions of a sample of senior citizens at the Reuven
Senior Centre in order to ascertain their age-related feelings and experience of the aging
process.
Eighty respondents were systematically selected to complete an age-related questionnaire.
Forty-seven questionnaires were completed and returned, which formed the data basis of the
study. The nature of the research was exploratory - descriptive as it attempted to investigate
and portray the perceptions of the respondents. The research design which was used, was
quantitative in nature and a questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection.
Furthermore the study could be described as a correlational research design. This design
assumes a cause and effect relationship.
Major findings included:
The senior citizen respondents expressed that they experience age-related anxieties. Major
anxieties included the fear of failing health, physical ability and becoming dependent on
others.
From the study, it would be inappropriate to suppose a relationship between the absence of
age-related anxiety and the phenomenon of successful aging. Further research would be
necessary with various population samples across the spectrum of age.
Fear of aging and of the aged may be more relevant to younger people who have not yet
reached an older age. This may be referred to as a fear of the unknown. Social workers
have a role to play in the re-education and positive reframing of age-related issues to allay
unnecessary fears.
All the respondents seemed to exhibit successful aging. No overt depression or
malfunctioning was evident.
Findings indicate that the senior citizen sample at the Reuven Senior Centre Complex exhibit
qualities of successful aging. Despite old people having fewer resources for happiness than
their younger counterparts, they have great adaption capacities. Old people should not be
pitied but admired for their strength and wisdom.