Predicting college students' interest in aging-related careers: Suggestions for pedagogical interventions

College students often rank working with older adults as low in their future professional aspirations. This study examines factors contributing to interest in working with older adults and provides suggestions for intervention. Data were collected from 385 undergraduate students via an online survey, which included questions about the quality of relationships with a grandparent and other nonfamilial older adults, as well as previous experience and future interest in pursuing a career in an aging-related field. Path analyses using hierarchical multiple regression reveal that relationships with nonfamilial older adults significantly predict career interest (β = .140, p = .019), whereas relationships with grandparents do not (β = .057, p = .328). Relationships with nonfamilial older adults also significantly predict cognitive frameworks: ageism (β = -.215, p < .001) and positive expectations (β = .144, p = .017). As expected, ageism is associated with reduced interest in an aging-related internship or career (β = -.231, p < .001), while positive expectations regarding aging are related to enhancing such interest (β = .133, p = .025). The findings suggest that policymakers and colleges can increase students' interest in pursuing aging-related careers by creating opportunities to interact and build relationships with older adults in the community. Examples of successful programs and best practices will be discussed.