Elderhood as an Anti-Ageism Intervention. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnette, Shannon; Inker, Jennifer; Marrs, Sarah; McIntyre, Maddie; Bert, Waters; Gendron, Tracey
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 500
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.1920
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Ageism is a complex, multi-layered phenomenon impacting feelings, thoughts and behaviors toward self and others. Due to the complexity of ageism, evidence-based anti-ageism interventions have proved challenging and costly. To date, using the concept of elderhood as a mechanism to mitigate the negative impacts of ageism has not been explored. As an anti-ageism strategy, elderhood reframes later life as a stage that encompasses growth and development and expected loss and decline. The current study evaluated a brief video intervention among first-year medical students before participating in a year-long senior mentoring program. First-year medical students (N = 585) from 2018-2021 responded to open-ended questions after viewing the video. Thematic analysis revelated four themes: neutrality, elderhood as development, reframing stigma and elderhood as othering. Findings suggest that elderhood may be a viable and productive anti-ageism strategy.