Abstract
Ageism sadly prevails in society, observed in the way we speak to older adults (Balsis, & Carpenter, 2005), and how old age is negatively portrayed in the media (Brown & Knight, 2015). So how might we curb ageism within today’s society? Research has revealed that higher education and increased experience with older adults may hold the answer. For example, through their education and practical experiences with older adults, nurses ageist opinions declined (Dahlke, & Fehr, 2010; Rodgers & Gilmour, 2011). The purpose of our study was therefore to further examine whether specific degree programs, exposure to gerontology content or year of study at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) may moderate ageist opinions amongst our students. Using the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA: Fraboni, Saltstone, & Hughes, 1990) we collected ageism scores from students enrolled in nursing, health sciences & kinesiology, social sciences, sciences, business & computing and general studies (n = 210). We did not find a significant effect of degree program on total ageism score nor a significant effect of degree program on any of the subscale FSA measures (Discrimination, Antilocution & Social Avoidance). However, we did find an effect of gerontology content on discrimination (affective attitudes) scores with those students who had taken at least one course with ageing content scoring lower on the discrimination subscale of the FSA (p < 0.05). The only degree program where we found an effect of year of study was for nursing where upper level nursing students scored lower on measures of avoidance (social separation) compared to lower level students (p < 0.005). Given the level of exposure to older adulthood in the classroom and in clinical settings in the nursing program at UFV this finding is not surprising. We believe our findings have important implications such that specific ageing courses and increased exposure to older adult populations in university may go some way to offset ageist attitudes, in particular those associated with personal interactions with older adults. Universities clearly provide the ideal setting for an “ageing friendly” culture to begin and grow.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | First published - 18 Oct 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Canadian Association on Gerontology - Vancouver, Canada Duration: 18 Oct 2018 → 20 Oct 2018 |
Conference
| Conference | Canadian Association on Gerontology |
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| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Vancouver |
| Period | 18/10/18 → 20/10/18 |