Purpose Ageism is a negative bias that results in stereotyping of and discrimination against older individuals and is one of the most institutionalized forms of prejudice in current society. Literature suggests that negative attitudes toward the elderly may have adverse effects, especially in health care settings. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the presence and level of ageism in a group of graduate students enrolled in an accredited speech-language pathology program over a 2-year period, to determine if the degree of ageism differed based on ethnicity, gender, age, or previous experience working with older adults. Method Eighty students of an accredited speech-language pathology graduate program completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism over a 2-year period at the onset of a course on aging. Students were blinded to the type of assessment they were completing and were anonymous in order to blind the instructor to specific student performance. Demographic data for each protocol were gathered in order to analyze results. Results Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance calculated for effect size between groups. Results indicated that the level of ageism did not significantly change when grouped by gender, ethnicity, age, or level of experience, though a level of implicit bias was demonstrated through overall participant scores. Conclusions Authors concluded that existing evidence should be used to develop graduate curriculum that encompasses all age groups, especially those aged 65 years and older. Opportunities for experiential learning may provide further benefit to decreasing ageism in graduate students, leading to positive societal change.

Purpose: This clinical focus article examines the effect of social isolation and loneliness forced by the pandemic on the geriatric population. Since March 11, 2020, when a global pandemic was declared, a new concept of social distancing has swept the United States and the world. While these efforts have been challenging for the entire population, there has been a disproportionate effect on minority groups, low-income communities, and one especially vulnerable group that has emerged: older adults. Method: A review of existing scientific research on social isolation and loneliness in the aging population was conducted. Current demographic data on the aging population were gathered to determine clinical applicability of research evidence. Principles of bioethics were considered within a risk/benefit assessment related to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Social determinants of health were examined within the context of the pandemic. Results: Research supports the link between social isolation, loneliness, and negative outcomes in older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of these negative effects, including anxiety/depression, neuroinflammation, substance abuse, physical or nutritional deficits, and a decline in overall health. Conclusion: Strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation may include technological intervention, attendance at virtual events, socially distanced outdoor activities, family connection, and cognitive stimulation or leisure tasks.