(Ne)prisotnost starizma v zdravstvenem okolju : analiza stališč zdravstvenih delavcev

slovenian

2025

volume 28, issue 3

age discrimination   ageism   healthcare   inequality

Inštitut Antona Trstenjaka za gerontologijo in medgeneracijsko sožitje

Ageism is a form of discrimination that can be subtle or institutionalised, particularly in healthcare settings where discriminatory practices are o2en normalised. Such negative attitudes towards older adults can signi- )cantly a'ect the quality of healthcare and reduce their social and health opportunities. *e study was based on a quantitative methodology using an online survey. *e sample consisted of 204 healthcare professionals with di'erent pro)les aged between 21 and 65 years. *e survey included demographic questions, questions about personal experiences with older adults and the Slovenian translation of the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, which is designed to measure prejudice against older people. A higher score indicates a stronger presence of ageism, while a lower score re,ects a more positive attitude. Statistical analysis included one-sample t-tests, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coe+cient. *e mean score on the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (M = 56.26, SD = 6.61) was signi)cantly below the theoretical cut-o' point of 70 (p < 0.001), indicating a low prevalence of ageism in healthcare. Male participants scored signi)cantly higher (M = 58.5, SD = 7.0) than female participants (M = 55.7, SD = 6.4; p = 0.020). *ose living in a shared household with an older person showed signi)cantly lower levels of ageism (p = 0.024). On the other hand, education level and work experience showed no statistically signi)cant di'erences in relation to ageism (p > 0.05). *e results suggest that healthcare professionals do not express pronounced ageism tendencies, however, di'erences are evident depending on gender and individual circumstances. To reduce potential biases, it would be advisable to include more content on ageing and intergenerational solidarity into healthcare education and to strengthen the positive image of ageing within society.

12.01.2026