The retirement village experiential learning journey (RV-ELJ): an Australian "case study" in university course curriculum to reduce ageism and promote working with older adults.

BACKGROUND: An aging population means health services are dealing with increasing numbers of older adults, placing challenges on health care systems. Research demonstrates many students who are in the health sciences carry negative views toward older adults, affecting their choice to work with older adults. This study evaluated whether course curriculum via an experiential learning activity that exposed Pre-Medicine students to older adults in retirement villages, improves attitudes to working with older adults upon graduation. METHODS: A survey using validated tools namely Australian Aging Sematic Differential (AASD); Relating to Older People (ROPE): Reactions to Aging Questionnaire (RAQ); Geriatric Attitudes Scale (GAS) was implemented. Thematic analysis to evaluate students' reflective essays post placement was conducted (n = 11). RESULTS: There were significant positive shifts in attitudes toward older adults and aging (AASD/GAS), along with improvements in students' self-perceptions of aging supported by qualitative analysis. DISCUSSION: The results support the need for educational interventions like the RV-ELJ model for reducing ageism and encouraging a mind-set shift toward working with older adults. It is important to expose students to settings where older adults live independently to build rapport and breakdown prejudices and stereotypes. This is likely to encourage interest in working with older adults.

Are Retirement Villages Promoting Active Aging?

PURPOSE: This study investigated physical activity (PA) facilities of retirement villages (RVs) and neighborhood PA barriers identified by RV residents in Perth, Australia. METHODS: An environmental audit of PA facilities was undertaken on 50 RV with 50+ independent living units, using the Audit of Physical Activity Resources for Seniors. Telephone interviews with 200 RV residents were conducted to identify neighborhood barriers to walking, and to obtain information on utilization of facilities and attendance of PA programs. RESULTS: Larger size RV appeared to provide significantly more PA facilities and programs. Utilization of PA facilities and program attendance were low (≈ 50%) and not associated with the RV environment (size, age, and facilities). Neighborhood barriers to walking were unsafe streets and hills. DISCUSSION: RV offers an attractive residential option with facilities that support active aging, but it is important to understand the barriers and enablers to use such facilities and attend programs offered.