Abstract
The aging of the world is creating unique changes, specifically in resource management, health institutions, and social services. The need for gerontological social providers is increasing; however, student interest in working with older adults in social services is low. This lack of interest is correlated to negative stereotypes commonly displayed in media and propagated by culture. Additionally, ageist actions increase social isolation in older adults, which is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Fortunately, positive exposure to older adults through experiential learning activities has demonstrated promise in decreasing students' ageist beliefs, thereby increasing their interest in working with older adults in the future. Furthermore, experiential learning activities decrease social isolation and increase feelings of importance and continued contribution for older adults. The chapter will discuss the use of a biopsychosocial assessment and intentional conversations between university students and older adults, the positive outcomes, and future implications.
TopBackground
The world is aging. Due to increases in medical science, sanitation, and safer work environments, humans are living longer (Zastrow et al., 2019). It is important to recognize that there are divisions within the category of “older adult.” Those ages 65–74 are commonly referred to as youngest-old, with those 75–84 being titled middle-old, and 85 years and older being termed oldest old (Lee et al., 2018). With the growth of the older adult cohort (those age 65 and older) the need for gerontological social service providers is also growing. In what is known as the “graying of America,” older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2035 (Jitdorn et al., 2021; Shiraz et al., 2020; Vespa, 2019). Centenarians, those who live to be 100 years old or older, is a population group that is projected to increase eightfold by 2050 (Stepler, 2016). With this change in population distribution, other changes follow. The larger population of older adults has a significant impact across many aspects, including (a) food consumption, both amount and type; (b) cultural underpinnings; (c) election and legislation outcomes; (d) economic landscape; (e) job markets; (f) family roles; and (g) housing needs (National Institute of Aging [NIA], n.d.). One of the most substantial impacts of the increase in older adults will be in health care.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Older Adult: A person who is at least 65 years old. This is the preferred term by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The following divisions exist within older adults:
Youngest Old: Those 65 to 74 years old.
Ageism: The propensity to categorize and evaluate people solely based on chronological age.
Sandwich Generation: Adults who are caring for their aging parents and their children of creation at the same time.
Baby Boomers: Those born between 1946 and 1964.
Double Sandwich Generation: Adults who find themselves caring for aging grandparents and grandchildren.
Centenarians: Those older adults who are 100 years old or older.
Middle Old: Those 75 to 84 years old.
Oldest Old: Those 85 years old and older.
Experiential Learning: Hands-on learning or deep learning, usually accomplished by providing students with an opportunity to engage in activities that are similar to future career duties, and then allowing students to reflect on their experiences.
Stereotypes: Commonly held ideas, images, or beliefs concerning a people group that are based on overgeneralizations and subjective experiences.