Hospital Staff Ageism and Older Patient’s Subjective Views of Aging Jointly Predict Future Health
2024

Hospital Staff Ageism and Older Patients' Views on Aging Affect Future Health

Sample size: 54 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hoffman Yaakov, Bodner Ehud, Cohen Susanna, Shrira Amit

Primary Institution: Bar Ilan University

Hypothesis

The study investigates how hospital staff's ageist attitudes and older patients' subjective views on aging predict future health outcomes.

Conclusion

Reducing ageist attitudes among medical staff can improve the long-term health of older hospitalized patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 66% of hospitalized patients are adults over 65.
  • Hospital ageism predicted hospitalization satisfaction and re-hospitalization.
  • Patients' self-rated health was affected by their views on aging.

Takeaway

If doctors and nurses think older people are less capable, it can make older patients feel worse and affect their health later on.

Methodology

Hospitalized older adults were assessed in four waves to evaluate the impact of ageism and subjective views on aging on health outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Average age 76.24, 50% female, range 65-101.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI [-9.7, -.29]

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0548

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