Professional attractiveness among long-term care workers in nursing homes in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The population aging trend and the shortage of elderly care workers require the long-term care profession to become more attractive. However, the professional attractiveness among long-term care workers has yet to be extensively studied. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the attractiveness of the long-term care profession for nursing home (NH) care workers.. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in more than 50 NHs. Perception of professional attractiveness among long-term care workers and potential associated factors were measured using the Attractive Work Questionnaire (AWQ) and structural instruments including the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A multiple linear regression method was employed to explore the influence of potential independent variables on professional attractiveness. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 99%. The results showed the score of professional attractiveness (185.37 ± 20.034), as well as the scores of each component (99.26 ± 11.258 for work condition, 30.13 ± 3.583 for work content, and 55.99 ± 7.074 for job satisfaction). Findings of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age(ß = 0.129, p<.05), years of work(ß = 0.156, p<.05), 12-hour shifts(ß = 0.185, p<.05), and training times per year(ß = 0.148, p<.05) positively associated with long-term care workers perceived professional attractiveness. Whereas only ageism(ß=-0.267, p<.05) significantly and negatively influenced professional attractiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived professional attractiveness of long-term care workers in NHs was acceptable. Age, years of work, shifts, training opportunities, and ageism contributed to the professional attractiveness of nursing home care workers in China. Target intervention measures should be taken to enhance the attractiveness of long-term care careers so as to avoid the shortage of long-term care workers.

Attitudes and perceptions about ageism among nursing students: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: to map scientific knowledge on nursing students' attitudes and perceptions regarding ageism. METHOD: scoping review according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The study question was: What are scientific evidence available on the attitudes and perceptions of nursing students regarding ageism? The search was conducted in 12 databases using the Rayyan application and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The studies were selected by two reviewers using a data extraction tool. RESULTS: of the 4,595 files, 46 that were published between 1984 and 2022 were selected, and the quantitative method was the most used. The most commonly used instrument was the Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale. Positive, negative, mixed, neutral, and inconclusive attitudes and perceptions were identified. CONCLUSION: attitudes and perceptions about ageism are diverse and not conclusive. Future intervention studies are recommended to detect changes in the behavior of nursing students in the face of ageism. BACKGROUND: (1) Attitudes and perceptions about ageism are diverse and not conclusive. BACKGROUND: (2) Importance of discussing ageism in the training of nursing students. BACKGROUND: (3) Intervention studies to identify paradigm shifts in nursing students.

Age differences in emotional reactions to ageist memes and changes in age of one's Best Self.

Memes on social media can carry ageist messages and can elicit reactions that are both emotional and self-evaluative. The present study investigates age-related differences in nine discrete emotions and in the evaluation of when individuals have been or will be their best selves. Participants (n = 360) representing young (m = 26 years), middle-aged (m = 39 years) and older adults (m = 63 years) were randomly assigned to view either non-ageist (animals) or ageist (e.g., incompetent older people) memes. After viewing memes, we assessed nine emotional reactions (i.e., fear, anger, sadness, happiness, anxiety, discomfort, disgust, surprise, enjoyment) and Best Self evaluations. Younger and middle-aged people reported more intense emotional reactions to memes than older people, with the exception that older people reported more discomfort and disgust in response to ageist versus non-ageist memes. Younger adults were less surprised by ageist memes (vs. non-ageist) and for all age groups ageist memes (vs. non-ageist) elicited less happiness and enjoyment and were less likely to be shared. With respect to evaluations of one's Best Self, older individuals were more likely to report being their best selves in the past, while after viewing ageist memes, younger individuals were more likely to report being their best selves in the future. Emotions of disgust and discomfort were related to identifying one's Best Self as further in the past. The current study adds to the literature on the impact of ageism by examining age-related differences in the emotions and self-evaluations experienced when confronted with memes on social media.

Strategies to Mitigate Age-Related Bias in Machine Learning: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that digital ageism, that is, age-related bias, is present in the development and deployment of machine learning (ML) models. Despite the recognition of the importance of this problem, there is a lack of research that specifically examines the strategies used to mitigate age-related bias in ML models and the effectiveness of these strategies. OBJECTIVE: To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review of mitigation strategies to reduce age-related bias in ML. METHODS: We followed a scoping review methodology framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. The search was developed in conjunction with an information specialist and conducted in 6 electronic databases (IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the ACM digital library), as well as 2 additional gray literature databases (OpenGrey and Grey Literature Report). RESULTS: We identified 8 publications that attempted to mitigate age-related bias in ML approaches. Age-related bias was introduced primarily due to a lack of representation of older adults in the data. Efforts to mitigate bias were categorized into one of three approaches: (1) creating a more balanced data set, (2) augmenting and supplementing their data, and (3) modifying the algorithm directly to achieve a more balanced result. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and mitigating related biases in ML models is critical to fostering fairness, equity, inclusion, and social benefits. Our analysis underscores the ongoing need for rigorous research and the development of effective mitigation approaches to address digital ageism, ensuring that ML systems are used in a way that upholds the interests of all individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework AMG5P; https://osf.io/amg5p.

Asociación entre edadismo y sexismo en estudiantes universitarios / Association between ageism and sexism in university students

Antecedentes y objetivos El edadismo es la percepción negativa de las personas por su edad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los niveles de edadismo y su asociación con el sexismo y otros factores en universitarios. Materiales y métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal a través de una encuesta online entre los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (España). Se recogió información sobre variables sociodemográficas y académicas y se administró el Cuestionario de estereotipos negativos hacia la vejez (CENVE), la Escala de sexismo ambivalente (ASI), el Cuestionario breve de los cinco grandes rasgos de personalidad (BFPTSQ), la Escala sobre la ansiedad por el envejecimiento (AE) y la Escala sobre el contacto con personas mayores (CPM). Se determinaron los niveles de edadismo y se exploraron asociaciones con otras variables. A continuación, se realizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria para conocer los factores asociados a su presencia. Resultados Participaron doscientos sesenta y tres (263) estudiantes. La mayoría presentaban niveles de edadismo bajos o muy bajos (83,3%). Los estudiantes más edadistas presentaban mayores niveles de sexismo hostil (OR=1,07; p<0,01) y más ansiedad por el envejecimiento (OR=1,10; p<0,05) que los estudiantes que puntuaron bajo en edadismo. Por otra parte, ser alumno de grado fue un factor protector frente a este tipo de sesgo comparado con la realización de estudios de posgrado (OR=0,31; p<0,05). Conclusión Un mayor sexismo hostil y una mayor ansiedad por el envejecimiento se relacionan con un mayor edadismo en los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (España). Las universidades deben brindar conocimiento a sus alumnos sobre este problema y desarrollar programas dirigidos a evitar la discriminación de las personas mayores. (AU)

Background and aims Ageism is the negative perception towards others based on age. The aim of this research was to analyze the levels of ageism and its association with sexism and other factors in university students. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study among the students of the University of Granada. The data was collected through an online survey. Information on sociodemographic and academic variables was collected together with the Negative Stereotypes Questionnaire towards Old Age (CENVE), the Ambivalent Sexism Scale (ASI), the Brief Version of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPTSQ), the Anxiety Scale for Aging (AE) and the Contact with the Elderly Scale (CPM). Ageism levels were determined and associations with other variables were analyzed. A logistic regression model explored ageism’ associated factors. Results Two hundred and sixty-three students participated. Most had low or very low levels of ageism (83.3%). The most ageist students showed higher hostile sexism (OR=1.07; p<.01) and higher aging anxiety (OR=1.10; p<.05) than students with high scores in ageism. Graduate students showed protector OR for ageism when compared to postgraduate students (OR=.31; p<.05). Conclusions Higher hostile sexism and aging anxiety are associated with higher ageism in students from the University of Granada. Universities must include in their study plans knowledge about this problem and develop programs aimed at avoiding discrimination in the elderly. (AU)

Asociación entre edadismo y sexismo en estudiantes universitarios / Association between ageism and sexism in university students

Antecedentes y objetivos El edadismo es la percepción negativa de las personas por su edad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los niveles de edadismo y su asociación con el sexismo y otros factores en universitarios. Materiales y métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal a través de una encuesta online entre los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (España). Se recogió información sobre variables sociodemográficas y académicas y se administró el Cuestionario de estereotipos negativos hacia la vejez (CENVE), la Escala de sexismo ambivalente (ASI), el Cuestionario breve de los cinco grandes rasgos de personalidad (BFPTSQ), la Escala sobre la ansiedad por el envejecimiento (AE) y la Escala sobre el contacto con personas mayores (CPM). Se determinaron los niveles de edadismo y se exploraron asociaciones con otras variables. A continuación, se realizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria para conocer los factores asociados a su presencia. Resultados Participaron doscientos sesenta y tres (263) estudiantes. La mayoría presentaban niveles de edadismo bajos o muy bajos (83,3%). Los estudiantes más edadistas presentaban mayores niveles de sexismo hostil (OR=1,07; p<0,01) y más ansiedad por el envejecimiento (OR=1,10; p<0,05) que los estudiantes que puntuaron bajo en edadismo. Por otra parte, ser alumno de grado fue un factor protector frente a este tipo de sesgo comparado con la realización de estudios de posgrado (OR=0,31; p<0,05). Conclusión Un mayor sexismo hostil y una mayor ansiedad por el envejecimiento se relacionan con un mayor edadismo en los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (España). Las universidades deben brindar conocimiento a sus alumnos sobre este problema y desarrollar programas dirigidos a evitar la discriminación de las personas mayores. (AU)

Background and aims Ageism is the negative perception towards others based on age. The aim of this research was to analyze the levels of ageism and its association with sexism and other factors in university students. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study among the students of the University of Granada. The data was collected through an online survey. Information on sociodemographic and academic variables was collected together with the Negative Stereotypes Questionnaire towards Old Age (CENVE), the Ambivalent Sexism Scale (ASI), the Brief Version of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPTSQ), the Anxiety Scale for Aging (AE) and the Contact with the Elderly Scale (CPM). Ageism levels were determined and associations with other variables were analyzed. A logistic regression model explored ageism’ associated factors. Results Two hundred and sixty-three students participated. Most had low or very low levels of ageism (83.3%). The most ageist students showed higher hostile sexism (OR=1.07; p<.01) and higher aging anxiety (OR=1.10; p<.05) than students with high scores in ageism. Graduate students showed protector OR for ageism when compared to postgraduate students (OR=.31; p<.05). Conclusions Higher hostile sexism and aging anxiety are associated with higher ageism in students from the University of Granada. Universities must include in their study plans knowledge about this problem and develop programs aimed at avoiding discrimination in the elderly. (AU)

Effects of workplace ageism on negative perception of aging and subjective well-being of older adults according to gender and employment status.

AIM: According to stereotype embodiment theory, workplace ageism can worsen older adults' self-perceptions of aging and subjective well-being. However, there has been little research on gender differences in this regard. This study examined the effects of workplace ageism on attitudes toward aging and subjective well-being according to gender and employment status. METHODS: We carried out an online survey of 600 participants aged 60-74 years in October 2021. Participants were equally divided into women who had worked full-time, women who had worked part-time and men who had worked full-time, and further divided by current employment status, forming a total of six groups for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 75% of the participants perceived some form of workplace ageism. Structural equation modeling showed that, for men and women in full-time employment, workplace ageism was associated with a negative self-perception of aging and poor subjective well-being, the effect of which was strong among those currently employed and weak among those who had retired. For women working part-time, the impact of workplace ageism on subjective well-being was stronger among those who were currently unemployed. CONCLUSION: Workplace ageism exacerbates older adults' self-perception of aging and decreases their subjective well-being. Women working part-time might quit their jobs when their subjective well-being worsens due to workplace ageism. Therefore, it is necessary to create a workplace environment that is comfortable for older workers and free of ageism. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 259-265.

How do ageism, death anxiety and ageing anxiety among medical students and residents affect their attitude towards medical care for older patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although the number of older patients requiring medical care is increasing, caring for older patients is often seen as unattractive by medical trainees (i.e., medical students, residents, interns, and fellows). Terror Management Theory states that people have a negative attitude towards older people, because they remind people of their own mortality. We hypothesize that ageism, death anxiety, and ageing anxiety among medical trainees negatively affect their attitude towards medical care for older patients. This review aimed to examine and generate an overview of available literature on the relationship between ageism, death anxiety, and ageing anxiety among medical trainees and their attitude towards medical care for older patients. METHODS: A systematic review was performed with a review protocol based on the PRISMA Statement. PubMed, Ebsco/PsycInfo, Ebsco/ERIC and Embase were searched from inception to August 2022, using the following search terms, including their synonyms and closely related words: "medical trainees" AND "ageism" OR "death anxiety" OR "ageing anxiety" AND "(attitude AND older patient)". RESULTS: The search yielded 4072 different studies; 12 eligible studies (10 quantitative and 2 qualitative) were identified and synthesized using narrative synthesis. Findings suggest that a positive attitude towards older people was related to a positive attitude towards medical care for older patients among medical students. The available literature on the relationship between death anxiety and/or ageing anxiety and attitude towards medical care for older patients among medical trainees was limited and had a heterogeneity in focus, which hindered comparison of results. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a positive attitude towards older people in general is related to a positive attitude towards medical care for older patients among medical students. Future research should focus on further exploring underlying mechanisms affecting the attitude towards medical care for older patients among medical trainees.

Breaking the links between ageism and health: An integrated perspective.

Ageism refers to prejudice, stereotypes or discrimination based on a person's actual or perceived chronological age. While ageism can affect people at all stages of the human lifespan, ageism against older adults has emerged as the most pervasive and potentially harmful. Much is now understood about how ageism can impact older people's health and wellbeing via structural, organisational, and provider level biases that threaten the provision of equitable and ethical healthcare. Negative attitudes about age and ageing also contribute to workforce shortages in aged care sectors, such as residential aged care and nursing. However, often underappreciated is how self-directed ageism, which refers to ageism turned against oneself, can also be an important determinant of health and wellbeing. Relative to external sources of ageism, negative internalised ageist beliefs are not only experienced more frequently in older adults' everyday lives, but are also more strongly linked to their health and wellbeing. Here we highlight how this understanding means that eliminating ageism requires a multifaceted approach that targets not only health care systems and aged care professionals, but older people themselves. Because normal age-related cognitive changes in how we think, perceive and reason increase the risk of older people viewing themselves through a negative and ageist lens, we provide a novel discussion of how broader insights from cognitive ageing literature must play a central role in any agenda focused on breaking the links between ageism and health.

[Negative stereotypes of old age in new resident medical interns]. / Estereotipos negativos de la vejez en los nuevos médicos internos residentes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence of negative stereotypes of old age in new medical intern residents (MIR) of the Community of Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study of first year MIRs was carried out anonymously during the process of registration at the Madrid College of Physicians between 25/03 and 26/05 of 2023. The Questionnaire of Negative Stereotypes towards Old Age (CENVE) and the Let's Fight All Together Against Ageism (LTJCE) survey were used. RESULTS: A total of 829 new MIRs were included, with a mean age of 26.0 (standard deviation [SD]=3.5) years. According to the LTJCE survey, 29.1% consider that in general older people are similar to each other; 47.5%, that deterioration of health in old age is inevitable, 26.8% that old age begins at 60 years; 30.5%, that age per se is a determinant when making clinical decisions and 31.0%, that aging is an obstacle that we must overcome in order to lead a healthy life. The mean total score of the CENVE scale (range 15-60) was 28.3 (SD=7.0) and the means of the different factors (range 5-20) were 8.6 (SD=2.8) for health; 9.8 (SD=2.6) for motivational-social; 10.0 (SD=2.7) for character-personality. CONCLUSIONS: Most new MIRs do not present old age-related stereotypes.

Involving older people in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases in humanitarian emergencies: a theoretical framework on ageism, epistemic injustice, and participation.

Humanitarian emergencies disproportionally affect older people. Although defining an older person by an age range can help alert us to emerging or changing needs and potential vulnerabilities during humanitarian emergencies, ageing is not necessarily synonymous with increasing vulnerability, and individual variations exist due to the heterogeneity of older people. In general, reduced access to safety, health services, clean water, and appropriate food puts older people at increased risk of poor health outcomes during humanitarian emergencies, including disability, injury, malnutrition, and mental health issues. The theoretical framework presented in this Personal View explains how ageism, further compounded by intersecting oppression, leads to the exclusion of older people from the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of humanitarian emergencies. The exclusion of older people is discriminatory, violates core humanitarian and bioethical principles, and leads to an epistemic injustice. We suggest that humanitarian actors implement participatory approaches with older people in humanitarian contexts. Through these approaches, solutions will be identified by and together with older people, leading to community-driven and context-appropriate ways to include the needs and strengths of older people in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of humanitarian emergencies.

Generational Bias: Another Form of Ageism.

Ageism includes discrimination toward both younger and older individuals. Discrimination based on generational cohorts can serve as a proxy for discrimination based on age and, therefore, can be argued as a form of ageism. This study examined the occurrence of generational ageism and its relationship to internalized and relational ageism. This cross-sectional study surveyed 913 individuals recruited through ResearchMatch. Analyses found that those in the Millennial and Gen Z groups reported experiencing the highest levels of discrimination based on generational cohort and reported feeling that their generational groups were viewed as less capable, more opinionated, and more selfish than other generations. Millennial and Gen Z groups also reported experiencing higher internalized and relational ageing anxiety levels than older cohorts. As our collective understanding of the manifestation and perpetuation of ageism grows, it is imperative to explore the impact and consequences of generational bias as a form of ageism.

Baseball and Bioethics Revisited: The Pitch Clock and Age Discrimination in a Timeless Pastime.

In this essay, the author reflects on a decade's old essay on baseball and bioethics inspired by a conversation with the late David Thomasma. In a reprise of his earlier paper, Fins worries that modernity has come to baseball with the advent of the pitch clock and that this innovation brings age discrimination to a timeless pastime.