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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Health & Exercise Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Skye N. Leedahl & Melanie Sereny Brasher & Dara L. LoBuono & Bethany M. Wood & Erica L. Estus, 2020. "Reducing Ageism: Changes in Students’ Attitudes after Participation in an Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:6870-:d:403363
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ahuva Even-Zohar, 2022. "The “At Home†Program: Students Residing with Older Adults," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.
    2. Skye N. Leedahl & Kristin Souza & Alexandria Capolino & Melanie Brasher & Emma Pascuzzi & Christina Azzinaro & Tyler‐Ann Ellison & Erica Estus & Maureen Maigret, 2023. "Improving Technology Use, Digital Competence, and Access to Community Resources Among Older Participants in the University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber‐Seniors digiAGE Pilot Study," Journal of Elder Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 2(3), pages 55-92, June.
    3. Jill J. Juris & Erin D. Bouldin & Katherine Uva & Christopher D. Cardwell & Anastacia Schulhoff & Nicole Hiegl, 2022. "Virtual Intergenerational Reverse-Mentoring Program Reduces Loneliness among Older Adults: Results from a Pilot Evaluation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.
    4. Senjooti Roy & Liat Ayalon, 2022. "Intergenerational Relations in the Climate Movement: Bridging the Gap toward a Common Goal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Valentina Caiola & Elina Moreira Kares & Margherita Pillan & Davide Spallazzo & Aarni Tuomi, 2023. "Remote Cultural Events: Investigating the Usefulness of Live Streaming for Creating Cultural and Social Engagement in Communities of Older Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, July.

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