Assessment of negative stereotypes towards ageing in a population over 60 years old in Buenos Aires City

Abstract

Introduction: Ageism, or discrimination based on age, encompasses negative attitudes toward older adults, including stereotypes, emotions, and behaviors. It is a deeply ingrained social construct, often unconscious, that emerges early in life and persists even among older individuals. Ageism hinders social and professional integration, increases loneliness, and poses a potential risk for cognitive decline. This study aims to assess the prevalence of ageism in adults over 60 using the Negative Stereotypes Towards Aging Questionnaire (CENVE). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. The CENVE questionnaire, distributed digitally, evaluates stereotypes in three domains: health, social motivation, and character-personality, assigning scores to quantify negative beliefs. Additional data on demographics, education, and academic training in aging were collected, and subgroup comparisons were conducted. Results: A total of 329 participants (77.8% women) were included: 41.6% were aged 60-70, 36.3% aged 70-80, and 9.9% were over 80. Most participants (77.8%) had more than 12 years of education, and 16.1% had formal academic training in aging. Median CENVE scores were: health, 10 (IQR 5); social motivation, 10 (IQR 5); and character-personality, 11 (IQR 5.25). Discussion and Conclusions: Higher education and academic training in aging were significantly associated with lower CENVE scores, suggesting that knowledge and education help counteract negative stereotypes about aging. Promoting awareness and understanding of aging could be an effective strategy to reduce self-stigma, enhance quality of life, and lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.