Undergraduate Students Knowledge and Perceptions regarding Older Adults

The US Census Bureau estimates an increase in the population aged 65+, which is projected to reach 83.7 million by 2050. With this changing demographic those with specialized training in aging are needed. Undergraduate students have varying knowledge and attitudes towards older adults. To better understand undergraduate student’s knowledge and attitudes regarding older adults we surveyed a group of 171 undergraduate students enrolled in the school of arts and sciences. Students were surveyed using the Facts on Aging Quiz, the Aging Semantic Differential, Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale, and student’s perceptions of working with older people. Students reported varying scores on perceptions toward older adults. The ASD found that students held more positive attitudes towards older adults, while the KAOP indicated that students had more neutral attitudes towards older adults. In general, students were neutral regarding perceptions about wanting to work with older adults.