Ageism, defined as the set of stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory practices toward older adults (León & Bozanic, 2022), represents a structural barrier to equitable and high-quality access to health care services. Its impact is profound: international research has demonstrated its association with delayed diagnoses, undertreatment, increased risk of inappropriate polypharmacy, low treatment adherence, and increased mortality among older adults (Officer & de la Fuente-Núñez, 2015).
In the Chilean context, this problem is exacerbated by the rapid aging of the population. According to the 2024 Census (INE, 2025), the Valparaíso Region is the most aged in the country, with an Aging Index of 98.6. Viña del Mar has a high proportion of older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older. Given this situation, primary care must adopt a strategy that ensures comprehensive, dignified, and non-discriminatory care.
This FONIS project falls under Health Objective No. 6 of the 2021–2030 Decade: “Promote healthy and dignified aging,” and aligns with principles established in Law No. 19,966 on Explicit Health Guarantees, as well as in the 2021–2030 National Health Plan. It aims to eradicate ageism in clinical settings, improve participation in healthcare, and strengthen the competencies of technical staff in the field.
National evidence shows that ageism is present among professional and technical healthcare staff in primary care, reaching 25% nationwide, with higher figures in the Valparaíso Region. This study also demonstrates that training in geriatrics and gerontology significantly reduces these stereotypes, reinforcing the need for specific training interventions such as the one proposed by this project.
The principal investigator is Agnieszka Bozanic, and MICARE researchers Thamara Tapia Muñoz and Déborah de Oliveira are participating.
