Reducing Ageism: Changes in Students’ Attitudes after Participation in an Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program

Skye N. Leedahl, Melanie Sereny Brasher, Dara L. LoBuono, Bethany M. Wood and Erica L. Estus
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Skye N. Leedahl: Department of Human Development & Family Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
Melanie Sereny Brasher: Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
Dara L. LoBuono: Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
Bethany M. Wood: The Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78751, USA
Erica L. Estus: College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Ageism is a societal concern that greatly affects the social, emotional, physical, and mental health of older adults. One way to decrease ageist attitudes and improve the treatment of older adults is to address and improve age stereotypes among young adults. Using data from students participating in an intergenerational digital-learning program, the present study investigated change in students’ stereotypes of older adults and aging. We examined change from pre- and post-scores in student attitudes toward older adults and the type of adjectives used to describe older adults. We also analyzed responses to open-ended questions about changes in perception of older adults and aging and interest in working with older adults. Findings showed that: (1) Students’ attitudes improved following participation in the program; (2) students used fewer negative words to describe older adults following participation; (3) answers to open-ended questions demonstrated that many students improved their perceptions of older adults; and (4) many students showed increased interest in working with older adults in their future careers. Programs that reduce age stereotypes should be promoted in order to reduce young people’s harmful ageist stereotypes, ensure respectful treatment of older adults in all workplace and social situations, and increase interest in aging-related fields.

Keywords: ageism; digital ecosystem learning; teacher training; innovations actions in education; intergenerational program; aging stereotypes; gerontology; older adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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