As practitioners in the field of special education, we continually strive to improve our skills and the quality of care we provide to our students. A recent research article titled Attitude towards Older People According to Sociodemographic and Educational Variables in Students of a Chilean University offers valuable insights that can help us in this endeavor.
The study, conducted with 515 students from a Chilean university, used Kogan’s Attitudes towards Old People scale to measure their attitudes towards older people. The results revealed that students generally perceived themselves with a low-level positive attitude (61.2%). Notably, older students (26–42 years old), women, Chileans, students in law, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, those in their final years of study, and those with external training on aging had more positive attitudes towards older people.
Here are some key takeaways and practical steps to implement these findings in your practice:
- Promote Positive Attitudes: Encourage continuous education on aging and the elderly. This can include workshops, seminars, and incorporating aging-related content into the curriculum.
- Engage in Cross-Generational Activities: Facilitate activities that allow younger individuals to interact with older adults. This exposure can help break down stereotypes and build empathy.
- Targeted Training: Provide specific training for students and staff in programs like speech therapy and occupational therapy to foster positive attitudes towards older people.
- Leverage Demographic Insights: Recognize that demographic factors such as age and gender can influence attitudes. Tailor interventions accordingly to maximize their effectiveness.
Implementing these strategies can help improve the attitudes of future professionals towards older people, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to this growing demographic. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Attitude towards Older People According to Sociodemographic and Educational Variables in Students of a Chilean University.
