전문가집단의 연령주의(Ageism) 인식과경험에 대한 질적 연구： 의료사회서비스법률금융 전문가의 고령자와의 상호작용을 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to examine age-perspective experience, meaning, and context of interaction between elderly as a service user and professionals as a service provider. Backgrounds of professionals included fields of medical (health care provider including doctor, nurse, pharmacist & physical therapist), social service (social worker & civil servant), law (lawyer & legal staff) and finance (banker & insurance seller). Researchers collected data through individual interview with 17 professionals and analyzed using NVIVO 11. Upon in-depth analysis, 357 concepts, 12 categories, and 4 themes were drawn from the experience of interaction between elderly and professionals. Professionals who participated in the interview initially had little recognition of ageism. When professionals start to have a relationship of the service provider and client, however, Most respondents who meet with elderly had traditional stereotype about ageing or aged people. When professional and elderly clients interact with each other, ageism sometimes strengthened or changed. They seem to show an age-perspective reaction. When professionals try to build anintimate relationship with elderly, they use special strategy such as listening carefully to their concern, displaying emotional response rather than rational one, and denying traditional age-related standards. Through these attempts, there was an increase in the level of closeness to the elderly for the professionals. As the result, elderly became loyal customers and professionals could provide better service to aged consumers. Findings suggest that each professional group should consider establishing practical standards and policies to promote quality of life of elderly.