Attitudes and intention toward old age home placement: A study of young adult, middle-aged, and older Chinese

Abstract

This study explored age-cohort differences on attitudes and intention toward old age home placement among 186 young, 161 middle-aged, and 185 older Chinese in Hong Kong, who voluntarily participated in this questionnaire survey without monetary reward. Compared to young adults and middle-aged Chinese, older Chinese were more likely to view old age homes positively, to adhere to traditional filial obligations, and to endorse beliefs about individual independence. Middle-aged Chinese reported greater intention, as compared to young adult Chinese, to refer older people to old age homes. Favorable attitudes toward old age homes were the most significant predictor of acceptance of old age home placement in each cohort. Among young Chinese adults, beliefs about independence and positive attitudes toward older people also significantly accounted for intention to refer older family members to old age home care. The findings suggest that old age home placement is not associated with unfilial thinking in contemporary Chinese society. Limitation and implications of the study were also discussed.