Perception of Aging Among Nursing Students

BACKGROUND/AIMS The perception of aging by health professionals who serve the older people affects the quality of care; hence, this study aimed to identify nursing students' perception of aging. MATERIAL and METHODS This descriptive study by the nursing faculty of two different state universities included 543 nursing students who showed willingness to participate. For data acquisition, a questionnaire was provided to the study participants; the questionnaire included the students' sociodemographic features and their perception of aging. The data were assessed using numbers, percentages, mean +/- standard deviation values, and the chi-square statistical test. RESULTS The mean age of the students was 22.00 +/- 1.20 years, and 88.8% were female. Most of the students agreed with the concept that in older individuals, "cognitive skills take a turn for the worse and learning ability is lost" (79.4%). Assessments of the students showing care for older individuals indicated that the students tended to be more patient with older individuals (94.5%). Gender and the students' academic level affected their perception of aging. CONCLUSION The study results found that nursing students' perceptions of older individuals were positive; however, certain perspectives and behaviors toward provision of care to older people were negative.