[The image nursing students have about their own ageing]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Sociology of Aging

Context:

• Focuses on nursing students' perceptions of aging at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
• Explores the preparedness of future healthcare professionals for the aging process.
• Utilizes a qualitative approach with ten student participants.

Purpose:

• To investigate nursing students' self-perceptions of old age.
• To understand how nursing students prepare for the aging process.
• To identify the basis of nursing students' imagery of old age.

Summary:

• Findings indicate that nursing students do not actively prepare for aging.
• Student perceptions of old age are largely shaped by life experiences and observed examples.
• A significant gap exists between current preparedness and the need for future quality of life in old age.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for educational strategies to improve nursing students' understanding and preparation for aging.
• Suggests that early intervention and education can foster a more positive outlook and better preparedness for old age.
• Emphasizes the importance of developing proactive strategies during youth to ensure a higher quality of life in later years.