Predicting Third Year Medical Students' Attitudes Toward the Elderly and Treating the Old

Third year medical students (N=179) were tested on attitudes about the elderly and treating the old. Other variables such as age, sex, career preference of the students, knowledge about aging in the curriculum, experience with the elderly, and age definition of old were used to predict attitudes about the elderly and about their care. The best predictor of both attitudes was a more favorable view of geriatrics as a profession. Attitudes toward pediatrics was also a predictor. Those who selected family medicine as a career preference had more favorable attitudes about the elderly. Greater knowledge about aging was a predictor of positive attitudes toward the elderly and their care. Increasing knowledge about aging may be a practical way to shape more positive attitudes in medical students. The best way to increase knowledge may be through exposing of students to healthy elderly or those with short-term health problems rather than long-term care only. Attitudes about geriatrics also could be influenced by faculty role models who have positive attitudes about treatment of the elderly.