New AARP research revealed that audiences of all ages want to see on-screen stories that reflect real-life relationships and family dynamics — stories that highlight age diversity in TV and movies. Furthermore, respondents said that on-screen depictions impact how society views getting older.

Specifically, 81% of a representative sample of 2,013 adult survey respondents agreed that what people see on the screen influences how society views getting older. In addition, 93% said they were likely to watch movies or TV with actors 50+ leading. That included 87% of 18-34-year-olds; 94% of those ages 35-49; 97% of those 50-64; and 96% of respondents 65+.

Notably, younger adults were much more likely to feel inspired by how people their age are portrayed in movies and TV —51% of those ages 18-34 versus only 16% of adults 65 and older. This highlights a significant gap in how current age representation resonates with viewers as they get older, according to the report.

"Survey findings suggest that movie and TV depictions of aging can inspire greater optimism about the future. However, while some current portrayals are getting it right, gaps and opportunities remain," the report concluded.

To download the report, “Rewriting the script: The power of age diversity on screen,” click here