Ageism Self-Assessment

​Ageism — bias against people based on their age — can show up in subtle ways, even among well-meaning helping professionals. The Ageism/Ableism Self-Assessment Tool below invites you to reflect honestly on your attitudes toward older adults and people living with frailty or dementia. As therapists, our biases don't disappear simply because we're trained to help; they can quietly shape how we engage with clients, what treatment goals we prioritize, and how much we advocate on their behalf. Taking a few minutes to complete this assessment is a meaningful first step toward providing more equitable, person-centered care to every client — regardless of age or ability.
Resident Ageism/Ableism Self-Assessment

Resident Ageism/Ableism Self-Assessment

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

Statement Strongly Disagree (1) Disagree (2) Neutral (3) Agree (4) Strongly Agree (5)
1. I enjoy being around people who are older than me.
2. I enjoy spending time with people who are living with frailty or dementia.
3. I am content at my current age.
4. I have plenty to occupy my time at my current age.
5. I enjoy talking to people who are older than me.
6. At my current age I feel that other people respect me.
7. I feel very comfortable when I am around people who are living with frailty or dementia.
8. I feel good about myself at my current age.
9. I enjoy doing things to help people who are living with frailty or dementia.
10. People see me as knowledgeable.
11. Others value my contributions.
12. My opinions matter to others.
13. I feel good about life as I get older.
14. People see me as competent.
15. There is meaning and purpose in my life.

For more information about this scale, visit https://ageismtoolkit.vcu.edu/media/chp-college-of-health-professions/ageism-toolkit/pdf/ResidentAgeism_AbleismSelf-Assessment.pdf.


​What Your Score Can Tell You
There's no pass or fail here. But if any of your answers surprised you, pay attention to that. That awareness is the starting point.
​If you're looking for a great place to take the next step, our new CEU course, What's Age Got to Do With It? Understanding the Impact of Ageism and Implicit Bias, is designed for exactly this: helping clinicians turn that self-awareness into more equitable, person-centered care. No prior specialization required.