OVERVIEW

Intergenerational Service Learning within a Therapeutic Recreation Course and Its Impact on Undergraduate Students' Attitudes about Aging is organized by American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Description:
Ageism is a term used to describe negative stereotypes and prejudices often leading to the discrimination of older adults. Ageism has been linked to negative outcomes such as a decreased quality of life, discrimination in the workplace, and poorer mental and physical health for older adults. Promoting positive contact experiences between older and younger generations in combination with education about aging has shown to improve attitudes among younger adults toward aging. Using the Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences (PEACE) model, this study examined the attitudes toward aging among 23 undergraduate students prior to and upon completion of an intergenerational service learning project, embedded within an aging course. The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) was used to measure levels of ageism before and after the intergenerational service learning project. Findings validate the utility of intergenerational service learning programs and offers advice on the implementation of evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing ageism among the population.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify how to use the Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences model as a framework to develop an effective intergenerational experience or service learning assignment.
Describe how contact with older adults in conjunction with education about aging can bring forth the positive abilities and strengths of older adults, which may result in attitude changes among students.
Identify at least two assessment tools that can be used to measure attitudes about aging and aging knowledge among students.