Life-Span Lessons: The Importance of Age-Related Knowledge for Aging Into Any Career

Abstract

Demand to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population is high. Students outside of gerontology programs, however, remain resistant to enrolling in aging coursework, which are often electives within or outside their degree programs. A life-span development course, however, is likely to be a requirement in many disciplines. In a multigenerational workforce spanning five generations and with intergenerational conflict making media headlines, students must understand how to navigate age-diverse climates. We advocate that a course in life-span development can serve as both a recruitment tool for driving interest in aging-related careers and an access point for preparing students to enter a sometimes contentious, multigenerational workforce. We illustrate how knowledge of developmental influences across the lifespan may lead to a better understanding of individual similarities and differences in developmental experiences, fostering intergenerational cohesion throughout one’s career.

The Impact of Psychoeducational Group with Self-Instruction Techniques toward Career Decision Making, Self-Esteem, and Self-Efficacy

“…According to Super's Career Development Theory, adolescents are in the exploration stage, try to understand themselves, and find their place in the working world through classroom learning, work experience, and hobbies (Graf & Bartlett, 2020). At this stage they will try to make career choices by choosing to continue their education to university, attending certain education, and training according to their talents and interests, or choosing a decision to work (Kot, Roznowski, & Ertelt, 2020;Yusoff, Mahfar, & Saud, 2019).…”

Generational Bias: Another Form of Ageism

“…Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between experiencing discrimination based on generational affiliation and feeling that one will not be valued in older age. Graf and Bartlett (2020) noted that beliefs about generational stereotypes can become internalized and amplify perceived and actual tensions between generations. Interestingly, it has been found that people hold strong feelings and beliefs about the homogeneity of other generations, yet recognize heterogeneity within their own generation (Gardiner et al, 2013).…”

“…Graf and Bartlett (2020) noted that beliefs about generational stereotypes can become internalized and amplify perceived and actual tensions between generations. Interestingly, it has been found that people hold strong feelings and beliefs about the homogeneity of other generations, yet recognize heterogeneity within their own generation (Gardiner et al, 2013).…”