Older individuals receiving long-term care, whether at home or in residential facilities, interact closely and continuously with nursing staff. As a result, nurses’ perceptions and attitudes toward older adults play a crucial role in determining the quality of care provided. Despite this importance, there is a scarcity of research examining the attitudes of nurses working in long-term care toward elderly populations. This study aimed to assess the attitudes of Austrian nurses employed in long-term care settings (both residential and home care) toward adults aged 80 years and older, as well as their views on geriatric care. Additionally, the study explored how factors such as personal and professional experiences with older adults might influence these attitudes. In autumn 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted, targeting a convenience sample of 875 Austrian nurses, including qualified nurses, specialised nurses, and those without formal diplomas. The survey incorporated three measurement tools: (1) the Aging Semantic Differential, which evaluates general attitudes toward older adults; (2) the Perspectives on Caring for Older People Scale; and (3) the Positive/Negative Contact Scales to assess experiences with older individuals. The results showed that nurses generally exhibited neutral to favorable attitudes toward adults aged 80 and above, as well as the care they receive. More positive attitudes were linked to frequent positive interactions and minimal negative experiences within their professional environment. Notably, nurses providing home care reported more positive interactions with care recipients. They held more favorable views toward adults aged 80 years and above compared to nurses working in residential care settings. The data suggest that fostering intergenerational contact may improve nurses’ attitudes toward older adults receiving care. To strengthen positive perceptions, it is recommended that opportunities for constructive interactions between nurses and older care recipients be promoted, for instance, through the implementation of intergenerational educational interventions.
