A recent Harris Interactive survey conducted for Charles Schwab and AgeWave asked almost 4,000 Americans what they thought of different generations. Some younger generations are seen as more productive, more socially conscious, having more positive effects on society or as most innovative. However, the Silent Generation (aged 63 to 83) and the Greatest Generation (aged 84 or older) are by far the most widely admired generations. Furthermore, in several international studies, the United States emerges as one of the least ageist societies, at least among the 20 countries we have studied. Americans, it seems, are more likely to respect older people than are people in major countries in East Europe, Asia and Latin America. Indeed, when the data are analyzed on a regional basis North Americans and West Europeans show much more respect for the elderly than do East Europeans and people in Latin America, while Asia and Middle East have the highest levels of prejudice against older people.

In Part Two: Busting the myths regarding North American versus Asian attitudes of ageism.

Humphrey Taylor

Humphrey Taylor is the Chairman of The Harris Poll, a service of Harris Interactive. Previously he was Chairman and CEO (1992-1997) and President (1981-1992) of Louis Harris and Associates. He has had overall responsibility for more than 8,000 surveys in 80 countries, for governments, corporations, and foundations, on such subjects as housing, insurance, transportation, welfare planning, marketing, communications, banking, industrial relations, education and health care. He has testified to Congressional Committees and Subcommittees on Social Security, health care cost containment, Medicare, aging, policies affecting disabled people, drug exports, the taxation of employee benefits, and privacy. He has made presentations in the White House and on Capitol Hill on these subjects, and on Health Maintenance Organizations, productivity, consumerism, health promotion and disease prevention. He has published many articles and papers on survey research and public policy, and broadcasts frequently on radio and television. Over his working life, Humphrey has authored over 1,000 columns, papers, op-ed page articles, and book chapters. He has written editorial page articles for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and (London) Times.