Factors Influencing Graduate-Social-Work Students' Interest in Working with Elders

“I Learned That the Aging Population Isn't That Much Different From Me”: The Final Outcomes of a Gero-Ed BEL Project

“…Older people are frequently students' least preferred population with whom to practice (Anderson & Wiscott, 2003;Weiss, 2005), often because they are overly concerned about generational differences in viewpoints and interests (Monk, 1981) and they perceive older members of society as disagreeable and unexciting individuals (Kane, 1999). That social work in aging is not seen as prestigious or particularly thrilling (Cummings, et al, 2005) likely serves to exacerbate students' lack of interest. Research indicates that direct experience with elders can have a positive effect on college students' negative attitudes toward older adults (Curl et al 2005;Dorfman, Murty, Ingram, & Evans, 2002;Murphy-Russell, Die, & Walker, 1986).…”

“…Butler (1969) formally defined ageism as "systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old" (p. 243). Ageism as a form of prejudice, discrimination, and oppression in US society has been widely identified as one of the major impediments, possibly the major impediment, to engaging older adults in health and social services (Cummings, Adler, & DeCoster, 2005;Curl, et al, 2005). This is further reinforced by a youth-oriented culture that devalues older adults (Bergel, 2006;Curl, et al, 2005).…”

Geriatric Social Work Career Tracking: Graduates of the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE)

“…For successful recruitment, it is critical to develop and increase interest in working with older adults among prospective students. Many studies equivocally reported that both personal and professional experience with older adults in early life is one of the most significant factors influencing student's interest in aging-related work and actual career choice in the field of aging (Cummings, Adler, & DeCoster, 2005;Cummings & Galambos, 2002;Cummings, Galambos, & DeCoster, 2003;Curl, Larkin, & Simons, 2005;Kane, 2004;Robert & Mosher-Ashley, 1999). The fact that approximately three-quarters of the HPPAE students had had previous volunteer and/or employment experience with older adults could reflect this well-established relationship between prior exposure to older adults and interest and career choice in aging field.…”

Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education: Lessons Learned from the GeroRich Projects

“…Such strategies must be developed and maintained to develop a cadre of students committed to gerontology. As other research has found (Cummings et al, 2005;Hooyman, 2006), GeroRich sites learned that exposure to content on older adults and the positives of gerontological practice were crucial elements in developing student interest. Additionally, spending time processing students' reactions to older adults and the specific course examples and assignments are critical to continue breaking down the stereotypes that students have about older adults (Hooyman, 2006).…”