An evolutionary concept analysis of gerontophobia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the concept of gerontophobia. Methods: Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis was used. A search was conducted using the RISS and ProQuest databases from 1969 to 2019, using the keywords of “gerontophobia”, “ageism”, and “ageism experience”. Finally, 26 relevant literature were selected. Results: Attributes of gerontophobia were found to consist of the three following dimensions: verbal violence, elderly discriminations (i.e., inter-generations, employment, and medical-service discriminations), and social exclusion. Antecedents of gerontophobia include a negative perception of the elderly (physical, psychological, and social factors), forced stigma, and hostility toward the elderly. Consequences of gerontophobia include health problems (to one’s physical and psychological health), elderly abuse, and elderly avoidance. Conclusion: Gerontophobia is an important concept greatly affecting the quality of nursing for the elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm or refine the findings obtained from this study and to eventually develop nursing curriculum or continuing education programs to resolve negative perceptions of the elderly.