RESUMO
The progressive aging of the population invites us to look at how the young view our older generation. A survey of nursing students was conducted to explore these attitudes with special attention paid to see which factors might influence them (Catholic religion, living with an elderly person, etc.) as well as how they feel regarding euthanasia. Results indicate that the most important influence on attitude is the individual experience each person has had with the elderly. In general the students showed an understanding of the changes associated with aging but it is unclear as to whether this is theoretical knowledge or it is based on personal interaction during nursing training. In regards to euthanasia the results vary with religion and house-sharing but more than 50% of all groups are in favor of it.
