Dust in the Wind: Ageism as Portrayed in Attitudes Toward Songs in Adulthood and Old Age

Abstract

Ageism was found to be prevalent across various life domains, but not in the music domain. This study aimed to examine whether negative ageist attitudes toward older adults are associated with music preferences across life. Subjects ( n = 214, age range 30–92, M = 56.14, SD = 16.39) were exposed to old (1910–1946), intermediate (1979–1987), and new (2014–2018) songs, chosen by a focus group, rated each song, and completed scales assessing ageism and socio-demographics. Ageist attitudes were negatively associated with liking for old songs among young and middle-aged participants. Young participants demonstrated a negative link between ageist attitudes and liking for intermediate songs. No significant results were reported regarding new songs. This provides an initial indication that ageism may be connected to attitudes toward music. Future studies can examine effects of perceived “oldness” in music on participants’ ageist attitudes, and negative attitudes toward new and intermediate songs alongside with examining negative attitudes toward younger adults.