Demographic and labor force trends point to a critical need for professionals trained to work with older adults. The current study investigated factors associated with interest in aging-related topics and careers and knowledge of the opportunities that exist in the field of gerontology. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and…

This study addresses the transfer of training to quality care practices among leisure services professionals who serve older adults by applying the Social Structure and Personality approach, a social psychology framework that accounts for layers of influence in that process. Multiple demographic and policy changes contribute to a need for a…

The primary objective of this research was to explore the experiences of undergraduate distance education students using sample audio versions (provided on compact disc) of the learning guides for their courses. The results of this study indicated that students responded positively to the opportunity to have word-for-word audio versions of their…

The present study examined the linkages among perceptions of self-efficacy, curriculum, and field experience on students' attitudes and interest in working with older adults. Graduate level social work students were surveyed regarding perceived self-efficacy to intervene with older adult clients, the amount of aging content in the master of social…

Our society is aging, and this demographic change necessitates that all social workers have basic competency in gerontology. This article describes the results of a competency survey conducted in 2000, and how these results helped transform basic social work curricula and enhance gerontology-related resources. Results were used to encourage and…

Intergenerational service-learning between college students and older adults is a commonly used in educational gerontology. Service-learning is believed to enhance student learning through an equivalent focus on service and learning, reflection, and linking course content with the service experience. This article describes a comentoring project…

This study sought to: (1) investigate the degree to which course content on elder abuse and neglect is a part of higher education curriculums in aging; (2) determine which specific elder abuse and neglect course content is included in required and elective coursework; and (3) describe the attitudes of instructors toward including elder abuse and…

Among 112 institutions offering recreation and leisure studies programs, 51.8% provided undergraduate-level aging courses, 11.6% graduate-level courses; 67% had an aging minor or gerontology certification. Therapeutic recreation was emphasized in 83% of programs, with required internships or practica. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

An electronic mail survey received 10 responses from 12 Canadian occupational therapy education programs. All had gerontological content in curricula. All faculty had performed research and completed doctoral studies. Textbooks were often 4-6 years old. Half of programs required gerontological clinical placements. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

The present study examines the impact of including lessons on aging in a 12th grade social studies course on student perceptions of aging and older adults, working with older persons, and knowledge of "facts" on aging. Pre/post-test data were collected from approximately 650 upstate New York 12th grade students enrolled in a government…

A survey of 196 theological seminaries with various religious affiliations received 131 responses. Several have added a course on older adults' needs and concerns. However, gerontological content is a minor part of the overall curriculum, and only 21% planned to modify programs to include such content. (SK)

Survey responses from departments of recreation and leisure studies (2000, n=66; 1991, n=81; 1981, n=97) indicated that 61% currently offer gerontology credentials, a slight decline since 1990. Combined undergraduate/graduate courses have increased; separate gerontology options are rare. Despite predictions of population aging, there has been…

A survey of associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs in 15 southern states (n=211) determined the current status of gerontological nursing programs. Findings indicate that, although there are areas of improvement, the status of gerontological nursing education and practice in the undergraduate curriculum is not equal to that of other…

A survey of social work baccalaureate program directors in Virginia (n=13) and Louisiana (n=6) and 524 undergraduate programs nationally found that 64% planned to increase gerontology in the curriculum. However, gaps were found in research and field practicum components; few faculty had gerontology expertise. (SK)

Responses from 103 of 205 clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs indicated that most cover gerontological issues; 64% offer specific coursework in aging or adult development. However, aging specializations and postdoctoral opportunities were extremely limited, and low numbers of students had clinical or research experience with the…