Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Older adults (65+ years) are the fastest growing population group in Canada, projected to reach 25% of the population by 2030. Given this dramatic demographic shift, there is a critical need for trained practitioners from disciplines such as social work. However, there is scant research on gerontological social work in Canada. This paper reports findings from the Gerontology Symposium at MacEwan University about the perspectives of social workers (N=49 on the current and future needs of gerontological social work in the Canadian province of Alberta. A World Café methodology was used to obtain participants’ responses from on the following two questions: 1) What strategies do we need on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels to help better serve older adult population? 2) How can we promote the value and contribution of gerontological social work within the inter-professional community? The data from the World Café was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings indicate the need to raise awareness about the demand for gerontological social work in Alberta; acknowledge and challenge ageism; strengthen the status and voice of the social work profession in practice, policy, and research; increase gerontological education opportunities for social workers, including inter-professional education; and enhancing advocacy on behalf of the aging population to meet the needs. The findings help inform the professional development opportunities for gerontological social work in Alberta and beyond.