Presented By: Lydia Sadlowski, Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Co-Authors: Jyotsna Pandey, Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Andrew Stevens, Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Purpose  
Recently the aging population (65+) has had the largest ten-year increase to date based on the 2020 census and the World Health Organization has called for a reform on healthy aging and six initiatives were identified that directly address this among older adults. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of the sixth initiative: Addressing inaccurate perceptions each community has toward its elderly members. Our aim was to determine the extent of action/interventions being taken worldwide and what is needed to combat these negative perceptions.

Methods 
Of 335 articles, 21 English language articles from 2010-onward fulfilled our inclusion criteria covering perceptions/ageism towards seniors. Exclusion criteria were pre-2010 articles, non-English, or lacking relevance. Included were 11 cross-sectional studies, 4 case studies, and 6 longitudinal studies.

Results 
We identified ten underexplored themes including modifying elder perceptions through product adjustment and social media, Student Health Professionals Related Studies, Health Professional Perceptions, Caregiver perceptions, Studies involving Mental Health, Marijuana Perception, Place of Care Preference, Centenarian and Self-Perception, Older Adult perception of Medical Conditions and Intergenerational Focused Studies. Proposed interventions ranged from consistent school programs nurturing positive youth views of aging to periodic anti-ageism workshops for healthcare workers to remove subliminal biases.

Conclusions 
While some educational efforts temporarily improved attitudes, further research and initiatives are urgently needed targeting healthcare professionals, caregivers, and youth. Reframing mentality through evidence-based education programs/interventions could positively impact perceptions of older adults in the long-term. As older adult populations expand, reducing prejudice by better understanding unique needs and increasing community connections is crucial for enabling healthy, dignified aging.