Picturing Older Adults: Views of Undergraduates Before and After an Aging Course
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Negative stereotypes and ageism toward older adults remain an insidious problem in the United States. These harmful views of older adults can lead to disparities in health care, social isolation, and loss of functional ability. In order to supplement current research on the perceptions of older adults, this study focuses on the views of undergraduate students before and after taking an aging course. Before beginning any coursework, students are asked to draw an older adult, using any combination of colored markers available. At the end of the course, students are again asked to draw an older adult, using any combination of colored markers. Students are also asked to write one sentence describing older adults. Content analysis will be used to interpret results. Drawings are anonymous and not shared/discussed in class.
