Attitudes Toward Older Adults: Results from a Fitness-Based Intergenerational Learning Experience

Intergenerational learning is a relatively new concept in kinesiology that may be used to improve attitudes toward aging among students. The aim of the present investigation was to determine changes in attitudes before and after an intergenerational fitness experience. Thirty-two undergraduate kinesiology majors completed the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) survey to determine their attitudes toward older adults. Students' attitudes were significantly more positive following the experience. The greatest improvement was observed among students without prior work experience with elders. While preliminary, the results support intergenerational learning activities as essential components of a kinesiology program.