There is a national shortage of social workers who have the knowledge and skill competencies needed for practice with our rapidly growing older adult population. In the last decade, research has identified many reasons for the lack of interest in gerontological social work and steps that could be pursued within social work education to remedy the…

Focuses on: (1) components of a basic core of knowledge essential for all people working in the field of aging; (2) knowledge essential for professions related to biomedical science, human services, social and physical environment; and (3) knowledge essential for clinical psychology, nursing, nutrition, and social work. (Author)

An overview is provided of "Rural AGE: Accessing Gerontological Education," a 3-year curriculum and faculty development project in Kansas aimed at transferring gerontological expertise and educational capacities from state universities to a consortium of seven rural community colleges. Introductory sections explain the purpose, background, and…