Ageism is a widespread but often overlooked form of discrimination that can manifest both positively and negatively in healthcare. In clinical practice, discriminatory attitudes towards older adult can impact the quality and equality of medical care. Empathy plays a crucial role in mitigating such biases among physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of family physicians toward age discrimination and to assess the relationship between these attitudes and physicians’ empathy levels, along with the influence of various sociodemographic factors. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and August 2021 among family physicians, residents, and specialists working in Samsun, Turkey. Data were collected via online, phone, or face-to-face surveys using the Attitude Scale of Age Discrimination (ASAD) and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy – Health Professional version (JSPE-HP). A total of 299 physicians participated. Participants exhibited high levels of empathy (mean JSPE: 81.6±9.49) and generally positive attitudes toward older adults (mean ASAD: 88.19±8.65). Age, gender, and professional experience significantly influenced both empathy and ageism scores. Older, female, and more experienced physicians showed more empathetic and less ageist attitudes. A statistically significant, low-level positive correlation was found between empathy and positive attitudes toward older adults.
This survey aimed to examine the association between online social participation and attitudes toward aging among older adults within the Chinese socio‑cultural context. Stratified multi‑stage cluster sampling was adopted to obtain sample data. Multiple Linear Regression Model was employed to analyze the factors influencing older adults’ attitudes toward aging. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to estimate the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) of online social participation on aging attitudes. (1) Among the 1,261 respondents, the mean score of attitude toward aging was 10.76 (SD = 5.55, possible range: 0‑20), with 45.0% reporting engagement in online social participation. (2) Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that online social participation, educational level, monthly income, marital status, chronic conditions, and self‑rated health were significant predictors of aging attitudes ( p < 0.01). (3) The ATT values estimated via kernel, radius and nearest neighbor methods were 1.6318, 1.5610 and 1.5549, respectively. (1) Older adults exhibit a relatively low overall level of online social participation, suggesting the necessity of further popularization and improvement. (2) Marital status, educational level, monthly income, self-rated health, and chronic conditions are significant influencing factors of aging attitudes among older adults. (3) Online social participation is significantly positively associated with older adults’ attitude toward aging.
