Attitudes of Turkish students toward elderly relatives

A sample of 152 Turkish university students responded to a questionnaire regarding their attitudes toward their elderly relatives. Attitudes toward elderly relatives and their presence in the home were generally positive, as would be expected in a traditional society. However, students' plans for their own old age indicated an orientation toward personal freedom and independence, rather than tradition. Males were more likely than females to foresee living with their children in old age, and females were more likely than males to mention a desire for independence. It was concluded that the extended family is losing its status as the ideal family type in Turkey, although close, cooperative family relations are still regarded as the norm.