Effect of experiential learning based AI‑generated aging video simulation on knowledge, attitude and gerontophobia in nursing students

With global ageing accelerating, nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward older adults’ influence care quality. We evaluated an experiential learning–based, AI-generated ageing video simulation aligned with Kolb’s cycle. One-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design with undergraduate nursing students at RAK College of Nursing (UAE). Gerontophobia paper Vancouver. Students completed baseline measures, viewed an AI-generated ageing simulation embedded in Kolb’s stages (concrete experience; reflective observation/abstract conceptualization; active experimentation), and repeated measures immediately post-intervention. Outcomes: knowledge (Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz), attitudes (Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People), and gerontophobia (Anxiety about Aging Scale). Paired tests assessed pre/post differences; effect sizes (Cohen’s d_av; Hedges’ g) summarized magnitude. N = 107 (66.4% female, mostly 20–29 years). Knowledge increased 13.00 ± 3.00 → 22.18 ± 2.65 (p = 0.001; d = 3.25; g = 3.23). Attitudes improved 26.16 ± 6.38 → 33.17 ± 5.92 (p = 0.0002; d = 1.14; g = 1.13). Ageing-anxiety decreased 59.5 ± 16.2 → 50.3 ± 14.2 (p < 0.001; d = − 0.61; g = − 0.60). Directional sign indicates reduced anxiety. A brief, AI-generated simulation grounded in experiential learning substantially improved knowledge, attitudes, and reduced gerontophobia. Integrating such media into undergraduate curricula may strengthen gerontological competencies; longer follow-up and controlled comparisons are warranted.