Old People Scale Research Articles

The Moderating Role of Empathy Profiles in the Relationship Between Knowledge About Aging and Attitudes Toward Older Adults Among Nursing Students.

Knowledge about aging (KA) and empathy affect nursing students’ attitudes toward older adults. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon from an integrated, person-centered perspective. The purposes of the present study were (1) to identify empathy profiles based on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) among Chinese nursing students and (2) to explore whether these latent empathy profiles moderate the association between KA and attitudes toward older people. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and a battery of questionnaires – including those on demographic information, the Chinese version of Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz (C-FAQ), the Chinese version of Kogan’s Attitude Toward Older People Scale (C-KAOP), and the IRI – was filled in by 622 Chinese nursing students (Mage 21.76; SD = 1.33). The mean total scores on KAOP and C-FAQ were 164.96 ± 18.32 and 10.436 ± 3.015, respectively, indicating relatively positive attitudes toward older people but low KA among Chinese nursing students. Latent profile analysis was used to identify a three-profile solution characterized by distinct levels of four dimensions of empathy, namely average empathy (AE, n = 399), high empathy (HE, n = 42), and low empathy (LE, n = 181). Subsequent linear regression analysis revealed that the LE rather than the HE profile predicted positive attitudes toward older adults. It is worth noting that the LE profile played a remarkable moderating role in associations between KA and negative attitudes toward older adults after controlling for covariant variables. Both the identification of distinct empathy profiles and the interplay between the LE profile and KA are of significance in reducing negative attitudes toward older adults among Chinese nursing students. Nursing educators should combine improving nursing students’ levels of KA and fostering greater empathy to reduce negative attitudes toward older adults. Such training should give priority to nursing students with LE.

Effect of an aged wearing suit on nursing student\u2019s knowledge and attitude

BackgroundThe knowledge and attitude of health care providers are important and influential factors in providing care services to the elderly and need to be considered during the training course. Simulation in geriatric nursing education can be an opportunity for learners to experience the restrictions of the elderly. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of training through simulation on the attitude and knowledge of nursing students in elderly care.MethodsThis study was quasi-experimental with two experimental and control groups of pre and post-test, which was conducted on 70 nursing students of the 5th semester (two groups of 35 people). For the experimental group, the elderly simulation suit was worn for two hours, which was designed by the researcher and created sensory, physical, and motor restrictions similar to the elderly for students. Before and after the study, Kogan’s attitudes toward older people scale and Palmore’s “facts on aging quiz” were completed by students. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test and paired t-test using SPSS version 16 software.ResultsThe mean scores of students’ knowledge in the experimental and control groups had no significant difference at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). But the mean scores of knowledge in the experimental group before and after the intervention was (9.2 ± 2.6) and (15.3 ± 3.5), respectively, and in the control group before and after the intervention was (10.4 ± 2.9) and (11.3 ± 2.6), respectively, which had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). The mean scores of students’ attitudes in the experimental and control groups had no significant difference at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). The mean scores of attitude in the experimental group before and after the intervention was (114.69 ± 8.4) and (157.31 ± 10.7), respectively and in the control group before and after the intervention was (113.34 ± 13.6) and (108.5 ± 16.6), respectively, which was significantly different (p = 0.0001).ConclusionsBased on the findings, the experience of aging restrictions through simulation has improved the knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards the elderly. Nursing education requires the growth of attitudinal skills, individuals’ beliefs, and creating empathy among them, so creating simulation opportunities can assist nursing students in the educational processes.

Roles of Knowledge and Attitude in the Willingness of Nursing Students to Care for Older Adults in Hong Kong.

Due to the ageing population, nursing students will be more likely to work with older adults after graduation. It is important to assess whether Hong Kong nursing students are well prepared to care for older adults. A convenience sample of 139 nursing students was surveyed using questionnaires: Palmore’s Facts on Ageing Quiz (FAQ), Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People scale (KAOP), and the Willingness to Care for Older People (WCOP) scale to assess the knowledge of and attitudes toward older adult care, and willingness to care for older adults, respectively. The overall score in the FAQ was medium-low (mean = 15.1, SD = 2.8). The KAOP score was medium-high (mean = 121.6, SD = 12.0). The willingness score was slightly high (mean = 5.2, SD = 1.1). Positive attitudes and knowledge about ageing are the predictors of nursing students’ willingness to take care of older adults. The findings provide evidence to nurse educators and clinical mentors that (a) courses providing knowledge about ageing are valuable, and (b) elements that cultivate positive attitudes towards older adult care should be included in curricula. Nursing curricula that provide knowledge and experience about older adult care play a pivotal role in creating a workforce of nurses ready and willing to care for the ever growing number of ageing adults.

Factors Affecting Willingness of Direct Care Workers to Engage in Elderly Care

Direct care workers are the main workforce in long-term care in Taiwan. However, few direct care workers desire to enter or stay in this field. This study aims to explore the factors influencing direct care workers’ elderly care willingness. A cross-sectional design was used in the present study. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select samples from a southern city in Taiwan. Overall, 207 participants completed the questionnaire, including providing demographic data and answering all questions on the Older People Scale and the Willingness Toward Elderly Care Scale. An independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the associations among the study variables. Direct care workers’ elderly care willingness was significantly influenced by junior high school (β = .023, p = .047), hourly wage (β = .148, p = .037), and appearance and physical attitude toward older adults (β = .302, p = .002). These factors explained 15.4% of elderly care willingness. In conclusion, it is critical to cultivate positive attitudes toward older adults and nurture the appropriate understanding of aging to avoid stereotypes and enhance the willingness of direct care workers to care for older adults. Furthermore, providing a more flexible schedule and additional opportunities to receive better compensation will increase the care willingness of direct care workers. It is suggested that the on-the-job training about caring for older people that aims to develop positive attitudes toward older adults and awareness of age stereotypes are required. These findings provide critical information for the retention and recruitment of the workforce to care for older adults.

Development of the Physiological-Psychological-Social Three-dimensional Human Ageing Scale for older people

ObjectivesAgeing is related to physical, psychological and social conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a scale that comprehensively assesses these three dimensions to reflect the ageing state of the human body. Study designThe study design of this study is a cross-sectional study. MethodsThe items for the preliminary scale were selected from relevant high-quality literature. The preliminary scale was developed by experts through two rounds of the Delphi method. The analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weights of the items. Cronbach's α, the test-retest reliability, the content validity index and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale. ResultsThis study developed the Physiological-Psychological-Social Three-dimensional Human Ageing Scale (PPSHAS), which includes 3 dimensions, 10 components and 51 items. The Cronbach's α of the PPSHAS was 0.930, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.856 (P < 0.001). The scale-level content validity index/universal agreement was 0.82, and the scale-level content validity index/average was 0.98. The EFA yielded 10 components; the total variance explained by these components was 57.491%. ConclusionsThis PPSHAS is an easy-to-use instrument for assessing the ageing process among elderly people and has adequate validity and reliability.

Validation of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, 6-item version, in a multiethnic population of Chilean older adults.

To analyse the psychometric properties of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, 6-item version (DJGLS-6), in a multiethnic sample of older Chilean adults. A cross-sectional study was designed using a sample of 800 older people, and 71% were self-declared indigenous. Data quality and acceptability, internal consistency, and construct and structural validity of DJGLS-6 were analysed. The scale was also analysed according to the Rasch model. The DJGLS-6 scored higher for the non-indigenous group than for Aymara and Mapuche (P<.001). KR-20 coefficients (internal consistency) for emotional loneliness subscale reached 0.44 for Aymara and Mapuche and 0.62 for non-indigenous, and from 0.73 (non-indigenous) to 0.86 (Aymara) for social loneliness subscale. The confirmatory factor analysis identified one dimension. None of the two subscales fit the Rasch model. The results indicate that DJGLS-6 is a reliable and adequate scale for non-indigenous Chilean older people. However, it should be culturally adapted to indigenous ethnic minorities.

Clinical factors associated with progression to dementia in people with late‐life depression: A cohort study of patients in secondary care

AbstractBackgroundDepression in later life is increasingly being recognised as a prodrome for the development of dementia. We aimed to investigate which clinical factors are associated with more rapid conversion from depression to dementia.MethodThe South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) was used to retrieve anonymised data on patients who were aged 65 years or older and received a diagnosis of depression in mental health services, followed by a diagnosis of dementia &gt;3 months later. Predictors of accelerated dementia development were investigated including demographic factors, health status rated on the Health of the National Outcome scale for older people (HoNOS65+), depression recurrence, and treatments including psychotropic drugs and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).ResultIn 806 patients with late‐life depression who later received a diagnosis of dementia, significant predictors of shorter time to dementia diagnosis in fully adjusted models were older age, male gender, higher deprivation, and HoNOS65+ subscales measuring depressed mood and cognitive problems. A diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder was independently associated with a longer time to dementia diagnosis. Antipsychotic drugs and CBT were significantly associated with longer times to dementia diagnosis when adjusted for demographic factors and severity of mood and cognitive difficulties, but not in fully adjusted models.ConclusionIn older adults with depression and subsequent dementia diagnosed by mental health services, faster progression to a diagnosis of dementia was predicted by age and gender, new onset depression, and severity of depressive and cognitive symptoms.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Polish version of the physical activity scale for older people living in a community: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPolish clinicians and researchers face challenges in selecting physical activity tools appropriate and validated for older people. The aim of this study is to provide cultural adaptation and validation of the Polish version of the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE-P).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out among 115 older adults living in south-eastern Poland. The original version of the scale has been translated into the Polish language following standardized translation procedures. Validation was evaluated by Pearson’s rank correlation coefficients between PASE-P, the normal Timed Up and Go test and that with a cognitive task (TUG and TUG cog, respectively), grip strength, basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL and IADL, respectively), Five Times Sit to Stand (5x STS), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsThe mean PASE-P was 91.54 (SD 71.15). Sufficient reliability of the test-retest of the PASE-P questionnaire components was found between the trials. The ICC test was strong and ranged from 0.988 to 0.778 for both major domains and the total scale score. A significant correlation was found between the total PASE-P score and the shorter TUG, TUG cog (r = − 0.514, p < 0.001; r = − 0.481, p < 0.001) and 10MWT (r = 0.472, p < 0.001). The total PASE-P score was also positively correlated with ADL and IADL (r = 0.337, p < 0.001; r = 0.415 p < 0.001), BBS (r = 0.537, p < 0.001) and 5xSTS (r = 0.558, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results obtained in the study confirm that the Polish version of the PASE scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the level of physical activity in older adults living in a community.

Single Time-Point Study of the Home Environment and Functionality of Older Adults in Spain.

Background: The literature favors discussion on socio-spatial conditions at the macro- (city) and micro- (housing) level that promote healthy aging in place. Objectives: (a) Identify the association between physical and social characteristics of the family home and the functional level and quality of life of older people and (b) provide normative data on adequate/inadequate households based on the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) inventory and the Spanish Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (S-IQCODE) test. Methods: In total, 79 healthy older adults completed the HOME inventory and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), S-IQCODE, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) and ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people (ICECAP-O) tests. A regression model, the effect size and the means of the scores of HOME (adequate/inadequate) test and the cognitive level (optimal/normal) were calculated. Results: The regression model discloses that adequate home scores are associated with cognitive level (odds ratio (OR): 0.955, confidence interval (CI)95%: 0.918–0.955); quality of life (OR: 6.542, CI95%: 1.750–24.457), living with other people (OR: 5.753, CI95%: 1.456–22.733) and level of education (OR: 0.252, CI95%: 0.064–0.991). The normative data between HOME and S-IQCODE scores showed a good adjustment (d = 0.70). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the physical environment of the home and personal variables (sociodemographic information, quality of life and cognitive functionality). In addition, from this last variable, the normative data of an adequate/inadequate household for an older person have been established.

Nursing students’ willingness to care for older adults in Turkey in 2020

Background &amp; Aim: The population of older adults is dramatically increasing in the world. This increase results in more demand for health care services from older adults. So, nurses’ and nursing students’ willingness to care for older adults gain importance. The aim of the study was to determine the willingness of nursing students to care for older adults and the factors affecting this in Turkey. Methods &amp; Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November-December 2019 in the nursing faculty of a public university. 299 students were randomly selected and data were collected by using a demographic student form and the Willingness to Care for Older People scale. Data were analyzed via the SPSS version 25 program. Results: The great majority (90.3%) of the students were female and the mean age was 21.3±1.2 years. The mean score of the students' willingness to care for the elderly was 36.82±5.96. The willingness to care for the older adults was found to be affected by caring for the older adults in clinical practice (B=2.136, β=0.174, p=0.008) and wanting to live with an elderly relative (B=2.022, β=0.168, p=0.016). Conclusions: The experience of caring for an older adult in clinical practice and to be willing to live with an older relative in the same house is positively associated with the willingness of student nurses to consider geriatric nursing as an option.

Development of a social activities scale for community-dwelling older people requiring support.

AimThis study aims to develop the Social Activities Scale for Community‐Dwelling Older People Requiring Support (SASOS).DesignThis study is a cross‐sectional investigation.MethodsThe participants were healthy older people (HOP; N = 140) and those requiring support (OPRS; N = 250). An anonymous questionnaire included items on SASOS, subjective health and ikigai (Japanese well‐being concept). Criterion‐related validity was examined using the Social Activity Index for Elderly People (SAI‐E).ResultsSeventy‐five HOP and 157 OPRS provided effective responses. The scale (α = 0.805) had three subscales: "interactions with friends and neighbors (F1),” "close relationships with family (F2)” and "interactions with others through activity programs (F3).” SASOS and SAI‐E scores were correlated (r = .558, p < .01), indicating criterion‐related validity. In known‐groups validity analysis, F1 were significantly higher among HOP and F3 were significantly higher among OPRS. Total scores correlated with perceived health (r = .240, p < .01) and ikigai (r = .419, p < .01).

Two versions of perspectives on caring for older patients scale: Translation and psychometric testing among Chinese nursing students.

This study aimed to translate the Perspectives on Caring for Older Patients scale into Chinese, both the full and the shortened versions, and test its psychometric properties among Chinese nursing students. In this methodological research, the scale were translated and administered to 307 nursing students recruited from two universities in mainland China. The psychometric testing mainly included internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alphas, 2-week test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient, convergent validity with Kogan's Attitude toward Older People scale, and factorial validity using exploratory factor analysis. Cronbach's alphas for the full and the shortened version scales were 0.77 and 0.75, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient values of both versions exceeded 0.70 and their scores were moderately correlated with the Kogan's Attitude toward Older People scale's scores. While exploratory factor analyses revealed a six-factor structure for the full version with factor loadings of five items below 0.3, the shortened version identified two factors with all factor loadings above 0.3. This study concluded that the psychometric properties of the full version scale were adequate and similar to those of the shortened version except for factorial validity.

Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People scale revisited: Psychometric properties and recommendations

Population ageing is one of the present and future challenges in the European context. In addition to age-related changes, negative and judicious attitudes by society are also prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for reliable instruments to evaluate attitudes toward ageing. In this vein, the present research aims to provide a reliable version of the Kogan’s Attitudes toward Older People scale adapted to the Spanish context. In a sample from the academic community (N = 163), we evaluated the reliability, the psychometric properties, and the internal consistency of a version of Kogan’s scale translated into Spanish. The results showed a reliable short version of the scale with adequate psychometric properties and two factors: positive and negative. Moreover, the correlates with similar measures of attitude toward older people proved external validity measures by the short scale. The implications and contributions to the geriatric population are discussed.

Clinical factors associated with progression to dementia in people with late-life depression: a cohort study of patients in secondary care

ObjectivesDepression can be a prodromal feature or a risk factor for dementia. We aimed to investigate which clinical factors in patients with late-life depression are associated with a higher risk...

Gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and influence on students' willingness in older people nursing: A cross-sectional, correlational survey

BackgroundPrevious studies have focused on identifying the factors hindering nursing students' interest in gerontology careers, whereas others have suggested interventions to promote students' interest in older people nursing. However, the role of a teacher is equally vital in shaping students' career preference. ObjectiveThis study therefore explored students' perspectives of their gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and its association with students' willingness to work in older people nursing. DesignA cross-sectional correlation study. SettingFive Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland. ParticipantsUndergraduate nursing students (N = 243). MethodA self-administered survey using the Gerontological Nurse Teacher Scale (GeNTS) and the subscale (Willingness) of the Students' Interest in Nursing Older People Scale (SINOPS). Descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted using SPSS. ResultsThere was a moderate positive association (R = 0.25, N = 243, p = 0.000) between students' perspectives of their gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and students' willingness to work in older people nursing. The teachers' abilities to develop gerontological nursing course most influence students' willingness in older people nursing (r = 0.26, p = 0.001), whereas their knowledge and interest in gerontology, least influenced students' willingness in older people nursing (r = 0.14, p = 0.025). Also, the teachers abilities to address students' concerns about aging, promote gerontology careers, and demonstrate leadership skills in gerontology all had a similar statistically significant moderate positive association (r = 0.23, p = 0.001) with students' willingness to work in older people nursing. ConclusionFaculty need to ensure that there is adequate personal with expertise in gerontological nursing to advocate for resources to establish a reputable gerontological nursing profile in nursing curriculum and to develop and sustain a positive attitude towards older people nursing among students and staff. A qualitative study is needed to understand the reasons behind students' ratings.

Yaşlı bakım personelinin yaşlılara karşı tutumlarının belirlenmesi: bakım sorunları ve müdahale önerileri

Amaç: Araştırma, huzurevinde çalışan yaşlı bakım personelinin yaşlılara karşı tutum ve bakım sorunlarının belirlenmesi ve buna yönelik müdahale önerilerini sunmak amacıyla yapılmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipteki araştırmanın evrenini, bir huzurevinde çalışan yaşlı bakım personeli oluşturmuştur. Örneklem seçimine gidilmemiş olup araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 51 bakım personeli araştırmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Verilerin elde edilmesinde sosyo-demografik özellikler ve yaşlılık ile ilgili soruları içeren anket formu ve Kogan Yaşlılara Karşı Tutum Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırmamıza katılan personelin %49,0’ının kadın, %60,8’inin aileden yaşlı bir birey ile yaşadığı saptanmıştır. Cinsiyeti kadın olan ve geniş aileye sahip yaşlı bakım personellerin Kogan Yaşlılara Karşı Tutum Ölçeği puan ortalamaları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark olduğu belirlenmiştir (p&amp;lt;0,05). Sonuç: Bu çalışmada yaşlı bakım personelinin, yaşlılara karşı tutumlarının olumlu düzeyde olduğu saptanmıştır. Yaşlılara hizmet veren bakım personelinin olumlu tutumlarının geliştirilmesi ve sürekliliğinin sağlanması ile yaşlıya verilen bakım kalitesinin artırılması için kurumdaki oryantasyon programlarında yaşlı bakımı konularına yer verilmesi önemlidir.

Changes in nursing students' knowledge, attitudes and interest in caring for older adults: A longitudinal cohort study

Nursing education programs have a responsibility to prepare future nurses to care for the growing number of older adults who will be accessing health care services. Preparation involves ensuring students have the knowledge, skills and desire to provide quality care to older adults.A longitudinal cohort study was conducted to collect data on students' knowledge of, attitudes towards, and interest in working with older adults during each year of an undergraduate nursing program. Data were collected using the Kogan Attitudes Towards Older People Scale, Palmore's Fact on Aging Quiz and a demographic instrument designed specifically for this study. Results showed slight improvements in students' overall attitudes towards older adults at the completion of their nursing degree. Increases in knowledge were seen in 12 of 24 areas measured. Gerontology as a preferred career choice was highest immediately following a clinical placement focusing on caring for older adults. Integrating gerontological clinical experiences into a beginning fundamental nursing course does not necessarily improve students' learning in the area of caring for older adults. Nursing programs have a responsibility to design, monitor and update curricula to ensure students are being adequately prepared to care for older adults.

Effects of Senior Simulation Suit Programme on nursing students' attitudes towards older adults: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAs populations age worldwide, nursing educational institutions need to train nurses not only to provide health care services specific to the elderly, but also to have a positive attitude as they work. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a Senior Simulation Suit Programme (SSSP). The SSSP, which focused on mimicking the physiological experiences of an 80 year-old person, was hypothesized to increase the wearer's positive attitude towards older adult care. MethodsA single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the efficacies of SSSP. One hundred and thirty-nine (139) nursing students were randomly assigned to either SSSP group (n = 69) or to a control group (n = 70) with “placebo clothing”, i.e. clothing that mimicked old age but did not actually impair faculties. Two instruments—Kogan Attitudes Towards Old People Scale (KAOP) and a 1-item scale on Willingness To Care for Older People Scale (WCOP)—were used for data collection at baseline and at completion of SSSP. A Chinese version of Palmore's Facts Aging Quiz (C-FAQ) was used to assess nursing students' knowledge about adult care, and a questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information at baseline. ResultsNo significant difference between the two groups was found. A significant increase of positive attitudes and of willingness to serve older adults was found in both the control group and the group wearing SSSP. ConclusionBoth the SSSP and control intervention could improve the attitudes of nursing students towards older adult care. This study suggests that wearing whatever the nursing students associate with being old, will improve their attitude towards older adult care.

Is there an association between ageist attitudes and frailty?

BackgroundFrailty is defined as a state of vulnerability to stressors that is associated with higher morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilization in older adults. Ageism is “a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old.” Explicit biases involve deliberate or conscious controls, while implicit bias involve unconscious processes. Multiple studies show that self-directed ageism is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether explicit ageist attitudes are associated with frailty in Veterans.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of Veterans 50 years and older who completed the Kogan’s Attitudes towards Older People Scale (KAOP) scale to assess explicit ageist attitudes and the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to evaluate implicit ageist attitudes from July 2014 through April 2015. We constructed a frailty index (FI) of 44 variables (demographics, comorbidities, number of medications, laboratory tests, and activities of daily living) that was retrospectively applied to the time of completion of the KAOP and IAT. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multinomial logistic regression models with frailty status (robust, prefrail and frail) as the outcome variable, and with KAOP and IAT scores as the independent variables. Age, race, ethnicity, median household income and comorbidities were considered as covariates.ResultsPatients were 89.76% male, 48.03% White, 87.93% non-Hispanic and the mean age was 60.51 (SD = 7.16) years. The proportion of robust, pre-frail and frail patients was 11.02% (n = 42), 59.58% (n = 227) and 29.40% (n = 112) respectively. The KAOP was completed by 381 and the IAT by 339 participants. In multinomial logistic regression, neither explicit ageist attitudes (KAOP scale score) nor implicit ageist attitudes (IAT) were associated with frailty in community dwelling Veterans after adjusting for covariates: OR = .98 (95% CI = .95–1.01), p = .221, and OR:=.97 (95% CI = .37–2.53), p = .950 respectively.ConclusionsThis study shows that neither explicit nor implicit ageist attitudes were associated with frailty in community dwelling Veterans. Further longitudinal and larger studies with more diverse samples and measured with other ageism scales should evaluate the independent contribution of ageist attitudes to frailty in older adults.

Investigation and analysis of attitudes and knowledge of aging among students in different majors

Abstract Objective To investigate the attitude and knowledge score of the elderly in different majors. Methods A total of 265 students were surveyed by self-designed questionnaire that consists of three parts: general information, Kogan’s attitude toward older people (KAOP) scale, and knowledge questionnaire. Results There were significant differences between the attitudes of the elderly and the aging knowledge scores for students who have taken care of the elderly and who have been cared for by their grandparents (P = 0.04; P = 0.02). Students who had experience in caring for the elderly scored higher. Students who were taken care of by their grandparents during the childhood were more active in the elderly. The scores of attitudes appreciation and attitude scores of elderly were statistically significant between nursing students and non-nursing students (P = 0.01; P = 0.03), and the non-nursing students’ attitude appreciation and attitude scores were higher than those of nursing students. Conclusions The nursing students have a more positive attitude to the elderly, but the level of aging knowledge is lower and lower than that of non-nursing students, which should be further improved.