Abstract:

Knowledge about aging, perceived obstacles to gerontological education, & attitudes toward the elderly are examined using questionnaire data from 67 students in nursing & social work master's degree programs at a southeastern university. Results confirm the existence of knowledge deficits among students, with nursing students identifying insufficient curriculum time & lack of academic role models as salient barriers to sound gerontological education. In contrast, social work students identified the low status of work with the elderly & limited experience in gerontological settings as obstacles. Both groups agreed that fragmentation of services contributes to inadequate education. These findings suggest a need for didactic & experiential learning opportunities, as well as for more role models, for students in service professions.