The Spanish Intergenerational Study: Beliefs, Stereotypes, and Metacognition about Older People and Grandparents to Tackle Ageism

[What needs do experts and future Physical Activity and Sport professionals perceive to promote healthy aging? Professionals and students' views]

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity acts as an adjuvant in the treatment of numerous diseases and in the promotion of healthy aging. Increasing longevity entails an increase in the demand for professionals who prescribe physical activity, specifically physiotherapists and physical-activity educators.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of a group of third- and fourth-year Physiotherapy students (n=9) and Sport Sciences students (n=5), and experts who work with older adults (n=3) about their knowledge of the older adult population and healthy aging. The secondary objectives were to: (a) explore what knowledge future professionals need about physical activity programming and about physical activity programs aimed at maintaining and improving health among older adults; (b) explore what would be the best methodology to acquire such knowledge; and (c) explore whether a relationship is perceived between knowledge about the older adult population and motivation to work with this population group.

METHODS

Two discussion groups with students and three interviews with experts were conducted. Discussion groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through a reflexive thematic analysis, following the steps described by Braun and Clarke (2021).

RESULTS

Three themes were identified from the discussion groups: (1) conception and ideas about older adults, (2) skills and knowledge perceived as important, and (3) proposals for motivational intervention addressed to the older population. Four themes were identified from the interviews with experts: (1) characteristics of the future professional, (2) physical activity programs for older people: the recipe for success, (3) the role of enjoyment as key to success, and (4) barriers/obstacles along the path.

CONCLUSION

Students of both degrees and experts believe that more practical training opportunities are needed, to enable students to interact with the older population and get to know their needs, motivations, and barriers, to increase physical activity levels in this population group.

Can Physical, Psychological, and Social Vulnerabilities Predict Ageism?

Ageism can be expressed as the discrimination, social exclusion, and even abuse of older adults. The literature suggests that certain vulnerabilities could be risk factors affecting people's ageism. Based on the Social Identity Theory, the present study aimed to examine the association of physical/psychological and social vulnerabilities with ageism. The sample consisted of 200 Israelis from the general population who completed self-report questionnaires. Hierarchical regression indicated that low well-being, high post-traumatic distress, and limited social support were associated with ageism. Furthermore, the association of post-traumatic distress with ageism increased with age. The findings expand the knowledge of vulnerabilities as risk factors for ageism, perhaps reflecting its unconscious nature, and can assist in designing interventions for people interacting with older adults.

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.

[Analysis of ageism during the pandemic, a global elder abuse]

El edadismo es una forma de maltrato que tiene influencia negativa en las personas mayores. Aunque la COVID-19 afecta a personas de todos los grupos de edad, ha incrementado el efecto del mismo, limita el acceso de los mayores a diversos recursos, entre ellos, los sanitarios. El edadismo se asocia con sobrecostes, con peor salud y mortalidad precoz. Desde el «Grupo de Trabajo (GdT) de Atención al Mayor de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (semFYC)» realizamos una serie de propuestas para combatirlo basándonos en actividades comunitarias que favorezcan las relaciones intergeneracionales y la educación en envejecimiento que permitan una correcta integración de los mayores en la sociedad.