Changes in Student Attitudes Toward Older Adults After an Intergenerational Service-learning Program
Year: 2018
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Many students and clinicians are reluctant to work with older adults due to the fear of aging, stereotypes towards older adults, and ageism. Intergenerational service-learning programs are used to bring generations together with the intention of challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes. Supported by RI-GWEP, the URI Engaging Generations Program partnered students in pharmacy and health sciences with older adults to support technology use. We examined how students’ attitudes towards older adults changed following participation using multiple quantitative measures on pre/post surveys and qualitative data from reflection papers. Examining adjectives used to describe older adults, students had more positive responses post-participation (t= -2.53, p<.05). Pre/post scores on the Attitudes Toward Aging scale (Z=-2.95, p<.01) also improved. Qualitative data revealed improvements in awareness of the generational gap, perceptions of older adults, and intergenerational communication. These attitudinal shifts have the potential to improve the delivery of health and human services for older adults.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Authors: S N Leedahl, M Brasher, E Estus
Institution: University of Rhode Island
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2899771980