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Ageism might reduce the effectiveness and quality of care in older adults essential with the aging population. Although interventions to counter ageism were carried out among students, no clear integration of their results described the mechanisms underlying their impact. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of which interventions amongst undergraduate health and social services students are effective, under which circumstances, how, and with what outcomes. A realist review was carried out using 44 keywords in 6 databases. The configurations for contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes were identified for three types of interventions, considering their impact on stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination toward older adults. In the 63 studies selected, intergenerational contact interventions exhibited the greatest proportion (14/15; 93.3%) of evidence supporting improvement in outcomes of ageism, followed by combined (67/84; 79.8%) and educational (51/67; 76.1%) interventions. Stereotypes and prejudices were challenged by the transmission of realistic and balanced information, as well as through meaningful and high-quality intergenerational contact. Meeting or hearing about a broad variety of older adults in specific conditions also helped to decrease ageism. Results highlighted the importance of seeing diversity and uniqueness in older adults, and their competencies rather than their limitations. Mechanisms were occasionally hampered by obstacles, such as induced anxiety and confirmation of negative aspects of aging. Countering ageism in health and social services students is essential to ensuring high-quality care. In knowing that educators, professionals, and institutions have a direct influence on students, their awareness of ageism should be enhanced by interventions targeting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related social biases – ageism – are developed at an early age. Interventions to counter ageism have been identified but little is known about their mechanisms, particularly in children. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of which interventions in youths are most effective, under which circumstances, how, and with what outcomes. Using 46 keywords in 6 databases, a realist review identified 24 studies published between 2000 and 2022 targeting youths under 18. A content analysis of these studies led to the construction of a Context-Mechanisms-Outcomes explanatory model. Contextual facilitators triggering mechanisms for changing stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination were: 1) enhancing knowledge about aging and older adults by providing nuanced information, 2) improving the quality of intergenerational contacts, 3) increasing opportunities to apply previously acquired knowledge in intergenerational interactions, and 4) promoting reflective thinking about experiences with older adults. However, stereotypes and prejudices appeared to be resistant and changes difficult to generalize. Insufficiently advanced cognitive development in children or viewing healthy and socially engaged older adults as unrepresentative of their age group were obstacles that reduced intervention effectiveness. Future studies should explore how advancing age influences interventions as well as the characteristics of older adults involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]