ABSTRACT

Ageism is recognized as a reason that few students pursue careers in aging. While widely studied, the findings regarding factors that contribute to ageism are mixed. The findings from previous studies are also tempered by methodological issues. To better understand the factors that contribute to ageism among students and guide the development of programming and activities to reduce ageism, a survey study was conducted. The study explores associations between frequency of interactions with older adults, quality of the interactions, and ageism. Students’ knowledge of aging is also examined. Using refined measures to assess knowledge of aging and interactions with older adults, the study includes data from 1,040 college students, most of whom are traditional age students (i.e., under the age of 25). Findings from multiple regression analyses document the interplay between frequency and quality of interactions and the role of knowledge on multiple dimensions of ageism. Frequency of interactions with older adults is significantly associated with lower levels of ageism only when the interactions are perceived as favorable. Knowledge of aging is significantly associated with lower levels of ageism. The findings provide valuable information for developing activities to reduce ageism. A new ageism reduction program, which was guided by the study findings and age-friendly university framework, is described. Implications for gerontological education are also discussed.

摘要

年龄歧视被认为是很少有学生从事老年职业的原因。虽然被广泛研究，但有关导致年龄歧视的因素的研究结果喜忧参半。先前研究的结果也受到方法学问题的影响。为了更好地了解导致学生年龄歧视的因素并指导制定计划和活动以减少年龄歧视，我们进行了一项调查研究。该研究探讨了与老年人互动频率、互动质量和年龄歧视之间的关联。还考察了学生对老龄化的认识。该研究使用精细的措施来评估老龄化知识以及与老年人的互动，包括来自 1,040 名大学生的数据，其中大多数是传统年龄的学生（即 25 岁以下）。多元回归分析的结果记录了互动频率和质量之间的相互作用以及知识在年龄歧视的多个维度上的作用。只有当互动被认为是有利的时，与老年人互动的频率才与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。对衰老的了解与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。研究结果为开展减少年龄歧视的活动提供了宝贵的信息。描述了一项新的减少年龄歧视计划，该计划以研究结果和年龄友好型大学框架为指导。还讨论了对老年学教育的影响。只有当互动被认为是有利的时，与老年人互动的频率才与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。对衰老的了解与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。研究结果为开展减少年龄歧视的活动提供了宝贵的信息。描述了一项新的减少年龄歧视计划，该计划以研究结果和年龄友好型大学框架为指导。还讨论了对老年学教育的影响。只有当互动被认为是有利的时，与老年人互动的频率才与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。对衰老的了解与较低的年龄歧视显着相关。研究结果为开展减少年龄歧视的活动提供了宝贵的信息。描述了一项新的减少年龄歧视计划，该计划以研究结果和年龄友好型大学框架为指导。还讨论了对老年学教育的影响。描述了以研究结果和适合年龄的大学框架为指导。还讨论了对老年学教育的影响。描述了以研究结果和适合年龄的大学框架为指导。还讨论了对老年学教育的影响。