Age Differences in Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Zhixuan, Fung Helene Hoi-Lam
Primary Institution: University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Hypothesis
Do older and younger adults engage in pro-environmental behavior with different frequencies and motivations?
Conclusion
Older adults engage in pro-environmental behaviors more frequently and have higher concerns for future generations compared to younger adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults engaged in pro-environmental behaviors more frequently than younger adults.
- Older adults scored higher on social generativity concerns compared to younger adults.
- No significant age difference was found in ecological risk perceptions.
- Social generativity concerns positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors only among younger adults.
- Ecological risk perceptions positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors among both younger and older adults.
Takeaway
Older people care more about the environment and future generations than younger people do.
Methodology
A survey was conducted among 126 older adults and 117 younger adults to assess their pro-environmental behaviors and motivations.
Participant Demographics
126 older adults (Mean age = 70.65, 61.5% females) and 117 younger adults (Mean age = 25.43, 67.2% females).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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