Age Perception Research Articles

Impact of restrictive policies on lives of the elderly: lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic

The article analyzes situation with senior citizens as a special socio-demographic group of population during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose is to analyze the state of this group during the period under review, attitude of the elderly to restrictive policies, impact of social isolation on their physical and mental health, and overall social well-being. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the concept of active longevity and phenomenological approach in sociology. The empirical base of the study included 42 non-formalized interviews with elderly citizens aged 65 to 94 years, conducted in May-November 2020. To process the interviews, the authors used the phenomenological method of Colaizzi, which has significant potential for qualitative research, especially in cases when result are much dependable upon the respondent’s personal experience, his or her perception of events. The data obtained through the interview were structured in line with the following five main blocks, namely: attitude to policy measures that have directly affected the elderly; changes in usual way of life; limited access to medical services; perception of age as a negative factor; and organization of services to older citizens during the pandemic. The study participants have demonstrated a fairly wide range of opinions, including assessment of structural problems, direct reflection on state policy measures to curb the pandemic, description of difficulties related to adaptation to the new routine mode of life, information and communication deficiencies. The authors have identified the “pain points” in the state of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic: the health and social systems turned out to be unprepared to work in the crisis conditions of the new reality. Analysis of daily life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic changes perception of active longevity and puts on the agenda the need for more comprehensive consideration of the needs of older citizens at the planning and implementation stage of state policy and management in social welfare and public health.

AGEISM: AGING KNOWLEDGE AND PERSPECTIVES OF THE AGING NUTRITION NETWORK

Abstract Addressing ageism is essential to support older adult well-being. The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center (NRCNA) (1) examined the general characteristics, aging perceptions, and preferred training modalities of national aging nutrition network providers and (2) measured the impact an ageism webinar had on topic familiarity, knowledge, and behavioral intent. Frequencies were run to analyze the characteristics, aging perceptions, and behavioral intent while Wilcoxon signed rank tests measured outcome changes. Ageism was assessed via the W.H.O. Ageism Quiz (AQ) while aging perceptions were measured with the Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ) and Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA). Respondents (n=1910) were primarily female (63%), non-Hispanic (90%), and white (87%) with an average age of 50 years. At least one-half had moderate ageism and aging perspective scores [Mean scores: AQ = 4.9±1.9 (max 8); FAQ =5.9±1.8 (max 10); ERA = 54.4±18.7 (max 100)]. The most preferred continuing education format was live webinars (44.3%). In response, a one-hour webinar about unconscious aging bias was offered in June 2022. A retrospective evaluation was used to assess the webinar impact (n=130 responses). A significant increase in subject matter familiarity (Z= -8.8, p < 0.0001) and knowledge (Z= -8.5, p < 0.0001) was noted. Further, analyses revealed positive attitudes (beneficial, good idea), perceived behavior control, indirect social norms (client support), and intent to reflect on past interactions with an older adult(s) to see how age-related biases might have influenced those interactions. These results illustrate the need for and the impact of ageism awareness training among those who work with the aging population.

More than a Number: Aging Leaders in International Politics

Abstract How does leader age affect international politics? Challenging the existing literature's focus on chronological age, we argue that leaders do not age the same in the eyes of their beholders. Combining insights from gerontology on age-related stereotypes and studies of face-to-face diplomacy, we show that judgments about age informed by high-level personal encounters have profound consequences for how elderly leaders are appraised and treated by their counterparts. A leader who betrays indicators of “senility” during face-to-face encounters will elicit harsh judgments by activating negative stereotypes about aging. Older leaders can also surprise their interlocutors: those long thought to be senile may show themselves as mentally and physically fit. Perceptions of age, in turn, shape how observers understand a leader's agency and shape decisions to “engage” or “bypass” the leader in the context of interstate cooperation. We draw on declassified primary documents to compare American views of three elderly leaders in Cold War Asia—Syngman Rhee, Mao Tse-tung, and Chou Enlai—and how such views informed Washington's approach to these leaders, finding powerful support for our arguments. Our findings suggest new insights for the IR research program on leaders as well as lessons for statecraft in an era of aging decision makers.

USING PHOTOVOICE TO EXPLORE THE STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT AND ADVANCE POLICY IN MULTIPLE CONTEXTS

Abstract Contextual factors, including social determinants of health, have gained recognition for greatly influencing aging trajectories and chronic disease progression. Although traditional qualitative research gives a rich understanding of the internal psychological experience, it is unable to assess socio-cultural and built environment aspects of life apart from the verbal descriptions from participants. This symposium examines the use of Photovoice as a tool to assess the socio-cultural and structural context surrounding the participant. This symposium will present a narrative review on the use of current Photovoice methodologies in dementia care; results from three studies using photovoice, one with participants with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers to explore their perceptions of aging in their home, the second exploring the lived experience and structural barriers among older adults with pre-frailty or frailty awaiting kidney transplant, and the third exploring the older adult peer mentors’ experience providing community-delivered hearing care. The talks will also address practical aspects of using photovoice such as institutional review board tips, logistical challenges, interview preparation and coding approaches. The fifth talk will describe Photovoice result dissemination strategies, including photo exhibits and stakeholder meetings, used to engage the community and advance policy to improve disparities. Photovoice as a research tool originally aimed to reinforce empowerment for those marginalized in society to describe their lived environment. This important aim is augmented in this symposium by improving researchers’ understanding of context to design more impactful research.

WHAT AND HOW DID IT WORK? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE INTERVENTION STUDIES OF CHANGING PERCEPTION TOWARD OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Social workers are one of the major professionals serving for older adults. However, social work students often rank gerontology at the bottom of their future professional practice. Studies show that students have negative attitudes about, and perceptions of older adults and aging. Such stereotypes result in social work students considering practice areas other than gerontological social work. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and identify any types of the intervention studies of changing perception and attitudes toward older adults and aging among social work students. This systematic review identified empirical research studies written in English that were published in a peer-reviewed journal before November 2021. Systematic search was carried out within four electronic databases (AgeLine, Education Research Complete, Social Work Abstracts, SocINDEX with full text) with the key words such as “social work student” and “aging or ageing or elderly or older adults or seniors or geriatrics or gerontology”. A total of 470 abstracts were identified, and after careful review of 143 full articles yielded from the databases, 43 journal articles were included in this study. Analysis of the selected literature provides that major interventions have been tried include service learning, lecture, curriculum development, simulation, training program, and intergenerational program. This systematic review highlights the importance of the experiential learning, partnership development with community, and interprofessional collaboration to provide the best model of practice for changing perception toward aging and older adults among social work students.

THE TELLEGACY PROGRAM

Abstract Emerging research displays how social isolation and loneliness (SIAL) before and during the Coronavirus pandemic are linked to health issues caused by SIAL. These issues are estimated to increase the risk of early death by 26 percent, the equivalency of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The program started soon after the pandemic as an intergenerational program created to combat SIAL among older adults. University students, known as Legacy Builders, connect through virtual or via phone conversations to communicate meaningfully with the older adult. Students are prepared with a curriculum on mindfulness, SMART goal-setting, growth mindset, visualization goal-setting exercises, and reminiscence therapy as well as the skill and art of listening. At the end of the encounters, a legacy book is given to the older adult with a description of the older adult’s life shared during their conversations with the Legacy Builder. The UCLA Loneliness Scale was utilized along with older adult self-reports. Sixteen residents in a memory care facility, ages 58 to 86, with multiple levels of dementia participated in the program of Summer 2021. The UCLA Loneliness Scale revealed that 13 of the 16 residents originally reported that they feel lonely or isolated. After 5 weeks of participation 7 out of the 16 residents report that they felt less lonely. Qualitative analysis showed improved perceptions of aging and an interest in Geriatrics among the student participants. These results also displayed positive older adult perceptions of the younger generation, and similar responses of the younger generation towards older adults.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS: TURNING POINTS IN COLLEGE STUDENT ATTITUDES ABOUT OLDER ADULTS AND AGING

Abstract Intergenerational Connections was a semester-long community-based engagement project in which thirty-four undergraduate students enrolled in a relational communication course met via Zoom with older adults in a long-term care facility for four dialogues about close relationships. The project used a Critical Interpersonal and Family Communication Pedagogy approach to have students critically engage with stereotypes and expectations about older adults through class readings, discussion, and interaction. The students wrote reflections after each dialogue and a final reflection expressing their expectations and experiences of interacting with an older adult. We analyzed the reflections using a turning point analysis and found two turning points related to Perceptions of Aging and Developmental Changes and Understanding and Expectations of Relationships. Students recognized stereotypes they held about older adults and aging and how engaging with an older adult dispelled many of those assumptions. Students were surprised by how much they had in common with their older adult partner. They learned about relationships through their dialogues with their partner and found many “words of wisdom” they wanted to incorporate into their relationships. In their final papers, students reflected on being advocates for older adults and how this project helped them understand that they can have conversations with older adults and not be afraid that they will not be able to connect. This paper will discuss how this community engagement project served to reframe aging for these young adults, and students’ recognition of the role that older adults play and the value that their involvement brings to society.

NEITHER HERE NOR THERE, YOU BECOME A STRANGER FOR BOTH SIDES: SUCCESSFUL AGING IN CHINESE AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Previous studies have critiqued the inordinate emphasis on high physical and cognitive functioning and a relative absence of cultural factors in our understanding of the aging process. The multi-year Perceptions of Aging Well in Diverse Populations study explores (1) the meanings attached to aging well across cultures and (2) similarities and differences in these perceptions within diverse racial and/or ethnic groups. This presentation highlights findings from in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with Chinese Americans 50 years and older (n=25; 10 male, 15 female; mean age 58.3 years). Thematic analysis of the data showed that generation status, age at arrival, density of social networks, and level of acculturation were key determinants of successful aging. Specifically, those who were born in the United States or had immigrated at an early age appeared to value their independence and were actively making retirement plans. Late-life immigrants were often lonely and more dependent on their adult children. Financial security and healthcare access were important considerations for mid-life immigrants. Several participants felt like an ‘outsider’ in the US but also felt like they were regarded as ‘foreigners’ in their country of origin, resulting in feelings of ambivalence and alienation. Many participants, particularly women, reported feeling less safe in their neighborhoods given the increasing prevalence of violence against Asian Americans in recent years and some were even contemplating moving to another country post-retirement. These findings provide insights into how aging is experienced among Chinese Americans and may help inform initiatives to support successful aging in this population sub-group.

POSITIVE AGEING AND DEATH OR DYING: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Ageing world populations and increases in life expectancy have facilitated an interest in developing ageing models that promote inclusivity and positive perceptions of ageing. This scoping review examines how and to what extent research that utilizes successful, active, productive, and healthy ageing framework(s) include death or dying. The study followed Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodological standard for scoping reviews and PRISMA guidelines and conformed to Arskey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. A thematic analysis was used to identify how research utilizes the concepts of death and dying in the context of positive ageing models. The analysis identified five core themes: (a) the critique that death and dying dimensions in positive ageing models are absent; (b) older adults’ outlooks on death and dying while ageing well; (c) religious and spiritual dimensions of ageing well; (d) negative consequences of positive ageing models without death and dying dimensions; and (e) the future of death and dying in positive ageing models. The results bolster support for a paradigm shift that redefines what it means to age successfully without denying death. Incorporating the topics of death and dying into ageing conversations encourages individuals to ponder their end-of-life preferences and proactively participate in their advanced care plans. Death and dying conversations help care providers support people to live and die in a manner that is meaningful to them and inspire those receiving care to live fully and deeply and to think about the legacy that they want to leave.

OLDER ADULTS' INDIVIDUAL TRAJECTORIES IN SOCIAL STATUS AND AGING ANXIETY

Abstract A high social standing in comparison to others is associated with positive psychological and health outcomes. Highest social standing is assigned to the group of middle-aged adults, hence, on average, older adults face a loss in status relative to younger age groups and relative to their former selves. Experienced and expected age-related changes in subjective social status and their association with aging anxiety have not yet received much attention in aging research. Using a new methodological approach, respondents indicated their perceived and expected social status for five points in time: 10 years ago, 5 years ago, now, in 5 years, in 10 years, which allowed for inter- and intrapersonal comparisons. They did the same for the average status of members of their age group. Early and later in old age (N = 191; range 65 – 88; MW = 73.5 years), participants expected higher losses in status than they have experienced in the past. However, low personal status in relation to others showed higher associations with aging anxiety (R2 = .16) than disadvantageous age-related intrapersonal changes (R2 = .14). Perception of a stable subjective status trajectory as well as distancing oneself from the group older adults, as in perceiving one’s personal status above the groups’ status, was related to reduced anxiety of aging. Taken together, analysis of individual status trajectories can help to gain new insights on attitudes toward aging. Implications for creating a more positive perception of aging are discussed.

A COLLABORATIVE AUTOETHNOGRAPHY OF FOREIGN-BORN FACULTY IN THE FIELD OF AGING

Abstract We draw from our personal insights as foreign-born females in the U.S. to explore how our minority status has affected our experiences/identities as faculty in the field of aging. We practiced intersectionality by considering how our understandings of “foreignness” in academia and the aging field are intertwined with other markers of difference, including race, national origin, language, and academic programs. We also draw from tenets of collaborative autoethnography to engage two autoethnographies from two countries in Asia to pool their lived experiences and collaboratively analyze and interpret them for commonalities and differences. We begin by sharing stories about graduate study pursuits and becoming faculty in the U.S. We note how our foreignness shapes our lives as aging scholars in the U.S. academy and our personal views on aging. After exchanging our first set of writings, we identified key experiences to focus on in the subsequent writing periods. Our minority backgrounds, teaching aging subjects, and using qualitative methodology are shared identification. However, our personal stories within the U.S. society and within the academy also diverge our identities and aging experiences from each other. Moreover, the themes that deal directly with identity development and the perception of aging provide a deep understanding of aging among the non-native-born population. This study highlights the value of collaborative autoethnography as a method of inquiry and reflection. Findings demonstrate that non-native-born female faculty in the field of aging faced multi-faceted challenges in both professional and personal realms. Implications for supporting foreign-born female aging scholars are discussed.

TEACHING GERONTOLOGY TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS: APPLYING THE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING USING ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW

Abstract There is an increasing need for well-trained social workers to support the growing aging population in Canada. Still, concerns arise regarding social work students’ insufficient knowledge and understanding of aging and aging-related issues. This study aims to examine social work students’ experience when experiential learning through ethnographic interview with older adults is applied as a pedagogical approach. This study was conducted based on two cohorts of social work undergraduate students who enrolled in a gerontology course in a Canadian university between 2020 and 2021. Students conducted an ethnographic interview with older adults aged 70 years and older and wrote a reflection paper as an assignment. We did a thematic analysis of eight reflection papers in which consent was obtained from students. We find that students connect aging-related theories/models to various topics discussed during their ethnographic interview, reflect on their personal experiences with aging family members, and show a positive perception of aging and attitude towards working with aging. The findings also suggest the benefit of adopting an approach of experiential learning through the ethnographic interview with older adults to teach gerontology to social work students. We offer recommendations for educators to create opportunities for students, especially from social work or other helping professions who traditionally have shown a lack of interest in working with older adults, to meet and interact with older adults, and to further enhance students’ competencies and interests in the fields of senior care.

THE ASSOCIATION OF SUBJECTIVE AGE AND FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION RISK: SOCIAL SUPPORT AS A MODERATOR

Abstract Financial exploitation of older adults bears detrimental physical and psychological consequences. However, little is known regarding factors which may contribute to financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) among this age-group. In line with the growing awareness of the importance of subjective perceptions of the aging process for older adults’ functioning and well-being, the current work examined the connection between subjective age (i.e., feeling younger/older than one’s chronological age) and FEV, and the possible moderating role of social support on this connection. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 137 Israeli older adults (age range 60-89, M=69.90, SD=6.85, 40.1% male), who completed scales assessing FEV, subjective age, and social support, as well as relevant socio-demographic information. Associations were examined using a hierarchical linear regression model which adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, and self-rated economic and health status. The main effect of subjective age was not significant (B=1.24, p=0.14), while the main effect of social support was found (B=-1.30, p=.03) indicating that low levels of support were associated with increased FEV, a finding consistent with the literature. The interaction of social support × subjective age was significant (B= -1.17, p= .025), accounting for an additional 4.0% of variance. Older subjective age was associated with increased financial exploitation vulnerability when social support was low, but not when social support was high. Results are interpreted with regard to Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory and provide initial information pertaining to the relevance of subjective age perceptions to FEV in older adults.

Intention to use robotic exoskeletons by older people: A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach

Robotic exoskeletons have the potential to compensate for age-related declines in muscle strength and physical performance. The previous research on exoskeletons' acceptability mostly relies on symmetrical-based approaches, which ignore the asymmetrical relationship between antecedents. Drawing on configuration theory and the Senior Technology Acceptance Model, this study intends to bring together fragmented views of acceptance literature by examining how technology perception (attitudinal beliefs and technology anxiety), subjective health (self-reported quality of life and perceptions of aging), and functional health (muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, and physical performance) combine as configurations in explaining older adults’ intention to use exoskeletons. A questionnaire survey and laboratory physical tests were used for data collection. Data from 91 community-dwelling older individuals were analyzed using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The intention to use exoskeletons is explained by five configurational patterns. Findings support the necessity of attitudinal beliefs for intention to use. This study takes a unique methodological approach from a configurational standpoint, adding to the existing robotics literature. Results show that the presence or absence of the same antecedent conditions (e.g., exoskeleton anxiety and physical performance) may generate behavioral intention depending on how they are combined with other causative antecedents.

Impact of creative dance on subjective well-being amongst older adults: an arts-informed photo-elicitation study

ABSTRACT As the popularity of dance as a health-enhancing activity for adults over the age of 65 has grown, experimental research that aims to identify the physical, psychological, and social impacts of dancing is now prevalent in academic journals. Consistently, the participant’s voice is left out of this research. Photo-elicitation interviews were used within an arts-informed methodology. Ten female dancers aged 66–77 years who attend the same weekly, creative dance class participated. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed an overarching theme of psychosocial resilience and five sub-themes: connecting with others, challenging perceptions of aging, emotional vulnerability, the importance of creativity, and opportunity to exercise autonomy. The results offer novel insight into the impact of creative dancing on subjective wellbeing and suggest that creative dancing can foster psychosocial resilience. The relationship between creative dance and psychosocial resilience should be explored further in other creative dance groups and older male dancers.

A Narrative Inquiry Into the Lived Experiences of the Oldest-Old Caregivers and How These Are Shaped by Age and Aging.

Oldest-old (80+) spousal caregivers of people with dementia are a fast-growing, highly vulnerable, and poorly understood population. As oldest-old individuals, these caregivers have a high likelihood of experiencing aging-related changes (e.g., frailty and multimorbidity) that result in unique caregiving experiences and support needs. Specialized interventions, sensitive to caregivers' age- and aging-related experiences and needs, may be required to provide adequate support to this group. To date, this group has received limited attention in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this study was to elucidate how age and aging shape the experiences of oldest-old spousal caregivers of people with dementia. We used a narrative gerontology approach, with 2-3 semistructured interviews with 11 caregivers ages 80-89 (25 interviews in total). We analyzed narrative data thematically. We identified 4 main themes representing caregivers' perceptions of age or aging: aging as decline, aging as life experience, doings in older age, and older age as perceived by others. Our results illustrate a breadth of age- and aging-related caregiving experiences stemming from each perception. This study provides insight into the particular experiences of oldest-old spousal caregivers of people with dementia and provides a foundation for critical future research that will continue to explore the experiences of this unique and fast-growing caregiving group. A more nuanced understanding of this caregiving subgroup is needed to develop age-sensitive health and social care services to meet their needs and, ultimately, improve their well-being and that of their spouses.

Social self-determination, life practices and economic aspects of preparing women aged 45-57 for retirement

The article presents the results of a sociological study conducted on a target sample of working woman of older middle and pre-retirement age - 45-57 years. The study was aimed at identifying the peculiarities of the perception of the age of «45+» by women themselves in such aspects as shared values and life goals, practices of coping behavior in relation to age and aging, retirement life planning. The issues of preparing for retirement are considered in an extended age range in order to fix the threshold values for the perception of age - to determine at what age the pension begins to be perceived as the immediate life prospect and the reorientation to the tasks of an older age group takes place. According to the results of the study, a predominantly positive perception of the age 45+ age period by women themselves was revealed with a wide variability in self-determination of its content - from a period of rest and stability to professional achievements and personal growth. In general, a positive perception of the one’s age «here and now» is combined with avoidance of thoughts about the upcoming retirement as more or less distant future. A paradox has been that recorded that requires further research: the majority of respondents begin to think about retirement only after reaching the pre-retirement age, while they would like to implement for themselves those methods of preparing for retirement that obviously require a longer planning horizon and a period of accumulation of economic resources than a three-year pre-retirement period.

Process of inner change in advanced age: a qualitative study of older adults in their early 90 s

The number of nonagenarians is growing globally. The promotion of mental wellbeing is increasingly important. The aim of this study was to explore mental wellbeing and psychological experiences of older adults in their early 90s who were living at home. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults in their early 90s. A thematic analysis, according to Braun and Clarke, was used to analyze data. An inner process of older adults in their early 90s was revealed; its three themes were the "reality of aging," "seeking emptiness of the mind," and "still moving on." Older adults in this study experienced functional decline, regret, and loneliness. They were tired of life and nearly gave up. Emptying their minds helped them reset their attitudes and find a way to move on. After realizing that negative thinking did not help anything, they focused on what they could do and their daily routines. Perceived social usefulness validated participants' self-worth. However, a few were consistently active without negative perceptions of aging. Understanding the psychological process and mental wellbeing in later life aids in the development of practical healthcare policies to assist the growing oldest-old population in cope with age-related challenges and improve their mental wellbeing.

Medicine in older age—perception and assessment of ageing processes by older people and medical and nursing professionals: study protocol for a qualitative focus group design (FOR TiMed_Life)

BackgroundThis study is conducted by a subproject of the DFG research group "Medicine, Time and the Good Life" FOR 5022 (FOR TiMed_Life) and investigates the care preferences of individuals of advanced age and the care priorities of medical and nursing professionals in times of increasing medical options and more complex decision-making processes, especially for elderly patients. We assume that the preference for or rejection of medical treatment is shaped by individual and social age patterns and by the awareness of the finiteness of life. Just like older people themselves, professionals are also influenced by societal images of age(ing) and associated notions of age-appropriate health. These concepts are subject to constant change, which means that what was considered to be a 'normal' symptom of older age 100 years ago is now treated medically as a disease. The aim of the study is to identify the underlying perceptions of ageing and their influence on medical decisions.MethodsBy means of semi-structured focus group discussions and supplementary individual interviews with older people and medical and nursing professionals, the subproject investigates the perception of ageing processes and the resulting care preferences and priorities of these three groups. The evaluation of the interview material is carried out in two stages: First, the recorded group discussions are pre-structured using knowledge mapping. Based on the mapping results, the interview passages are selected, transcribed, and analysed in detail based on qualitative content analysis.DiscussionBecause the nature of the research question is exploratory, qualitative methods provide a suitable approach. The mapping technique provides early initial results that are used by the other subprojects. Within the research group, the results of the interviews provide an empirical basis for ethical discourses on the influence of medicine on ideas of a good life, and in particular, on successful ageing.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00027076, 05/11/2021.

Attitude towards Older People According to Sociodemographic and Educational Variables in Students of a Chilean University.

Current evidence suggests that attitude towards older people may be associated with sociodemographic and educational variables; hence, a positive attitude towards older people is key when training new university professionals. However, there is little evidence of this association in Chilean university students. The objective was to analyze students from a Chilean university's attitudes towards older people, according to sociodemographic and educational variables. Analytical and cross-sectional study; 515 students from a Chilean university were consulted online about their attitude towards older people using Kogan's Attitudes towards Old People scale. Additionally, sociodemographic and educational variables were recorded. The average score for positive attitude was 70.8 (±9.7), while the negative attitude score was 68.3 (±11.6). The total score was 139.1 (±16.6). Mostly, university students perceive themselves with a low-level positive attitude (61.2%). Additionally, older university students (26-42 years old); women; Chileans; students of law, speech therapy, and occupational therapy; students in their final years of the programs; and those who had training in older people outside the university have a more positive attitude towards older people. In Conclusion, a profile of sociodemographic and educational characteristics of students with a lower and higher attitude towards older age was investigated. These results are relevant since the way of seeing the aging process could regulate the training of future professionals and consequently generate changes in dealing with older people. Young people's perception of ageing would affect the treatment and incorporation of the older people in society and the adaptation of policies in this age group.