چکیده (انگلیسی):

This study investigated the effect of a semester-long aging and adult development course
that included an intergenerational, service-learning component on attitudes toward older
adult men and women, aging anxiety, and interest in occupations that serve older adults
among individuals training for careers in healthcare and social services. It also investigated
the relationship between quality of intergenerational contact and ageist attitudes as
well as differences in attitudes toward older adult men and older adult women. Data collection
occurred across two semesters. Participants were 70 undergraduates from
healthcare and social service majors. Attitudes improved and aging anxiety declined over
the semester; interest in occupations serving older adults did not change. Quality of intergenerational
contact was related to attitudes and occupational interest at pre-test and posttest.
Implications for teaching as well as service-learning are discussed.