Linda Babula
Published: 1996
Total Pages: 98
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Abstract: The advancement of medical technology has increased the chances of people in the United States living to an older age (Reed, Beall, & Baumhover, 1992; Shoemake & Rowland, 1993). Unfortunately, few students are interested in geriatrics as a career (Wilderom et al., 1990). It is vital for students entering into the health care profession to have an unbiased attitude toward the older population. This study was done to determine if the attitudes of students toward the elderly, the desire of students to work with the elderly, and the age range the students consider to be old were positively affected by an aging course. Students completed the Kogan Attitude Scale (Kogan, 1967) and three additional questions before and after an aging course. There was a significant positive difference in the attitudes toward the elderly. However, there were no significant differences in the desire to work in geriatrics or with the age range considered to be old. Based on the results, an aging course may positively influence attitudes toward the elderly, but not affect the desire to work with the elderly or the age range considered to be old.