An Anthropological Contribution about Ageism: Attitudes of Elder Care and Nursing Students in Turkey towards Ageism

The aim of this study was to define attitudes toward ageism among nursing and geriatric care students at two schools. Fifty students from the Sick and Elder Care School (SECS) and the Nursing Services Department (NSD) participated in this study. Participants were asked to fill a questionnaire that included questions on demographic data and questions related to the literature and the Ageism Attitude Scale (AAS). All students were between 16 and 18 years old, female, and single. The participants' average AAS score was 72.8. Higher AAS scores were correlated with age, class, and experience in residing with an older relative. The mean AAS score of the SECS students was statistically high and significant when it was compared with the mean AAS score of the NSD students. Students who understand the aging process, senility, and changes in senile individuals better and have good communication skills with elderly individuals have a more positive attitude and perspective.