Animated films are not only a source of entertainment for children but also serve as pedagogical tools. Given that age-related biases can develop early in childhood, it is crucial to scrutinize the portrayal of elderly characters in these films and their impact on children’s perception of aging. To this end, after the research team analyzing ten animated films and their elderly characters, three films were selected and subsequently screened for a group of children aged 6 to 12 years old. Following the viewings, focus group and interviews were conducted with 35 and 6 children, respectively. The findings suggest that while overall perceptions were positive, the physical traits were negatively received. In contrast, their psychological attributes and plot-relevant roles were favorably perceived. This research emphasizes the imperative of a more comprehensive and varied representation of the elderly, reflecting their multifaceted experiences and traits, and the inclusion of age-diverse characters in relevant roles.

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Children’s Perspectives of Elderly Characters

  • Sofia Isabel Figueiredo da Silva Nunes,
  • Maria João Lopes Antunes

摘要

Animated films are not only a source of entertainment for children but also serve as pedagogical tools. Given that age-related biases can develop early in childhood, it is crucial to scrutinize the portrayal of elderly characters in these films and their impact on children’s perception of aging. To this end, after the research team analyzing ten animated films and their elderly characters, three films were selected and subsequently screened for a group of children aged 6 to 12 years old. Following the viewings, focus group and interviews were conducted with 35 and 6 children, respectively. The findings suggest that while overall perceptions were positive, the physical traits were negatively received. In contrast, their psychological attributes and plot-relevant roles were favorably perceived. This research emphasizes the imperative of a more comprehensive and varied representation of the elderly, reflecting their multifaceted experiences and traits, and the inclusion of age-diverse characters in relevant roles.