Perceptions of youth and adulthood as stages of the lifespan

Question 1

What is meant by the term perceptions?

Answer 1

Perceptions are the beliefs or opinions based on how things seem. Our perceptions will change as we move through the lifespan.

Question 2

Identify and explain the factors the influence an individual’s perception.

Answer 2

Our perceptions can be influenced by personal experiences, including what we see and hear. Our perceptions can be positive, negative or a mix of both.

The difference in opinions between people of different ages is known as the generational gap. Your parents / guardians will likely have different perceptions, attitudes or believes to you.

Question 3

Identify some common positive and negative perceptions about youth and about adults.

Answer 3

Adults Positive:
- Physically peak citizens who positively contribute to society by being productive, employed and responsible citizens
- Wised and experienced people, who have a wealth of information and expertise.
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Adults Negative:
- Older adults are bad drivers
- Older adults complain a lot
- Older adults are a burden on the health system
- Older adults are forgetful

Youth Positive:
- Youth are positive, ambitious, hardworking and happy
- Youth have many opportunities and are fortunate to live at this time and in this society
- The best years of Someone’s life
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Youth Negative:
- Youth are frightening, lazy or selfish
- Youth are devalued, victimized or neglected.
- They lack the maturity of the past generation
- They are slackers and unable or unwilling to gain ongoing meaningful employment