Ageism Among College Students: Shaping Future Generations of Older Adults

The population of adults aged 65 and older is increasing worldwide. This means that additional time, attention, and resources will need to be dedicated to serving this population. However, that will prove to be difficult due to the prevalence of ageism. According to the World Health Organization’s (2021) Global Report on Ageism, one in two people worldwide are ageist. In this study, I will examine ageism among college students, focusing on how past experiences with older adults shape college students’ levels of ageism. My prediction is that students who report more experiences with older adults (e.g., through contact with ASPEC, have taken a course in aging) also will report less ageism in college students. Students will complete a 23-item online survey about their level of agreement on statements about older adults and past experiences they have had with older adults. Results will be coded (i.e., low, moderate, and high) to determine each respondent’s level of ageism as related to their past experiences. College students are the next generation of older adults, and it is our job as academics to educate society on the impact of internalized ageism.

For more information: jvbennet@eckerd.edu

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