Gerontological content In undergraduate education

Abstract

It is increasingly important for healthcare professionals to obtain competence in gerontology to ensure preparedness to deliver services for an expanding group of complex older people. Undergraduate education has been found to be lacking, infrequent, and inconsistent (Boscart, McCleary, Huson, Sheiban, & Harvey, 2017). This projects purpose is to develop a gerontological workshop to demonstrate and promote the need for increased focused gerontological content in undergraduate education. The workshop is grounded in Jack Mezirow’s transformational learning theory, the concept of ageism was introduced to promote a shift in thinking towards the purpose of gerontological education in undergraduate programs. The hour-long workshop was presented to two specific target audiences. Data was collected from participant feedback forms, and facilitator direct observation. The findings concluded that a need for increased gerontological undergraduate education does exist, and that educational interventions reduce ageistic thinking resulting in an increased interest in the care of older individuals.