Educational Approaches to Upholding Dignity in Older Adult Care: A Comparative Analysis of Embarrassment between Generation Z Students and Elderly Residents

To teach Generation Z students (born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) the importance of preserving elderly dignity, we surveyed older adult residents in senior welfare facilities and fourth-year nursing students regarding their feelings of embarrassment when assisting with activities of daily living. The results revealed that students experienced significantly higher levels of embarrassment, particularly with bathing and excretion, whether they were providing monitoring or full assistance. They also reported greater discomfort when performing activities of daily living (ADLs) with monitoring assistance in group settings.
We hypothesize that the students were more attuned to the perspectives of those receiving care, contributing to their heightened embarrassment. In contrast, older adult residents reported lower levels of shame, likely due to their acceptance of assistance as a result of declining physical abilities. This resignation reduced their discomfort with being seen and helped them accept the necessity of assistance. To provide dignified care for older adults, understanding the process of accepting assistance and the social context of each generation is crucial. The study highlights the need for faculty to consider their students’ perspectives to effectively teach Generation Z.

Keywords: Older Adults, Nursing Students, Dignity, Teaching Methods, Shame.