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Chapter 5
Impact of the age awareness workshop
5.2 Changing perspectives on ageing and older adults
Comparisons of scores from pre-workshop and post-workshop surveys found statistically significant
reductions in ageist views and improvements in attitudes regarding ageing among respondents upon
completion of the workshop. Across all measures of ageism and ageing expectations, these changes
were found to be maintained at follow-up, 2–3 months later.89
In the follow-up survey, respondents were asked a series of questions about how their attitudes and
behaviours had changed following the session.
Figure 11. Changes following the workshop
Rethought the way I communicate with older people
90%
10%
Had conversations with people I know about ageism
11%
87%
2%
Thought about what I can do in my workplace to change ageist attitudes
7%
86%
6%
Rethought my attitudes towards ageing
82%
Yes
16%
No
1%
Not applicable
For the vast majority of respondents, the workshop had triggered positive changes in their thoughts
and behaviour. For example, 90% of respondents reported rethinking the way they communicate with
older adults after participating in the workshop, and 87% had spoken about ageism with people they
know.
(a) Ambivalent Ageism Scale
An examination of responses to individual items found that the greatest shifts in perception between
pre-workshop and follow-up surveys occurred with the items related to benevolent ageism. This finding
provides an indication of the specific areas where the workshop appears to have had greater impact.