Psychology Research and Behavior Management (Jan 2022)

Attitudes Towards the Elderly in Polish Society: Is Knowledge About Old Age and Personal Experiences a Predictor of Ageism?

  • Podhorecka M,
  • Husejko J,
  • Pyszora A,
  • Woźniewicz A,
  • Kędziora-Kornatowska K

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 15
pp. 95 – 102

Abstract

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Marta Podhorecka,1 Jakub Husejko,1 Anna Pyszora,2 Agnieszka Woźniewicz,1 Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska1 1Department of Geriatrics, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland; 2Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, 85-094, PolandCorrespondence: Marta PodhoreckaDepartment of Geriatrics, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, University Hospital No. 1 dr. A. Jurasz, 9 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Street, Torun, 85-094, PolandTel +48 52 585-49-00Email [email protected]: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of ageism in Polish society. In addition, the relationships of opinions with demographic data, knowledge about aging and individual contact with the elderly, in the context of knowledge about their exclusion, were examined.Patients and methods: The study involved 923 individuals in Poland. Their demographic characteristics were recorded, and all subjects were assessed using Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People (KOAP) scale and asked to complete the Facts on Aging Quiz. Subjects were also asked about their knowledge of the definition of ageism and asked to explain it.Results: The KOAP scale as a function of predictors was modeled using Bayesian robust linear regression with t distribution. The subjects had a mean (SD) KAOP score of 90.88 (17.41), with the central 50% of the observations ranging from 83 to 101 points. Three statistically credible relationships with responses to the questionnaires were observed. Respondents attending school had slightly lower average KAOP scores than respondents with other professional status. In addition, FAQ was negatively and moderately related to KAOP, whereas contacts with elderly people were positively and moderately related to KAOP.Conclusion: Knowledge of aging and contact with elderly individuals significantly affected attitudes and behaviors regarding ageism. Many study subjects were characterized by having unfavorable attitudes towards the elderly.Keywords: elderly, ageism, KOAP, FAQ, relationships, Poland

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