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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
A knowledge- and empathy-based intervention to reduce negative stereotypes about older adults among nursing students:
Silvia Caballero Sánchez1, Borja Doncel-García2, Idoia Imaz-Aramburu3
1Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country. B° Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Biobizkaia: Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Introduction:
Negative stereotypes among healthcare professionals can lead to discrimination and lower quality care for older adults.
Objectives:
This study describes a specific knowledge- and empathy-based educational intervention aimed at reducing negative stereotypes about aging among nursing students.
Methods:
A longitudinal study with 159 s-year nursing students included theoretical instruction, video viewing, role-playing with an aged simulation suit, and debriefing. The workshop featured three scenarios: an urban environment, a hospital, and a reflection on nursing practice. The suit simulated ageing-related limitations with weights, glasses, gloves, earplugs, and a cane. Data were collected before, immediately after, and six months later.
Results:
Both female and male students showed significant reductions in negative stereotypes, with sustained effects. Improvements in specific stereotype factors varied by sex.
Conclusion:
The intervention successfully reduced negative stereotypes about aging, with lasting effects. Further research should explore sex differences in ageist attitude changes following educational interventions.
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