Undergraduate healthcare students' personal experiences with older adults : A qualitative description study

Abstract

BackgroundUnderstanding students' experiences with regard to older adults is important for educators in developing specific educational strategies to encourage future healthcare professionals to consider the geriatric field as a career choice. ObjectivesThe study explored Italian university healthcare students' experiences with older people and their perceptions of them at the beginning of their course. DesignA qualitative descriptive design. SettingsA Faculty of Medicine in Italy. ParticipantsA sample of 15 students enrolled in healthcare courses was included. MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. ResultsSix categories were identified. The young Italian students' first experiences with older adults were with their grandparents, representing their first models of aging. Grandparents were sources of emotional support. Older adults were seen as custodians of collective memory and as a guide for younger generations. The intergenerational relationship was characterized by respect and reciprocity. Young adults recognize the frailty and vulnerability of older adults and view intergenerational solidarity as a way to protect them. They imagined their own old age as characterized by strong family relationships and by active aging, due to their personal experience with their grandparents. ConclusionsThis study revealed mainly positive experiences and attitudes of healthcare students toward older adults. The students' relationships with their grandparents contributed greatly to this outcome.