Abstract
The growing numbers of aging adults in Canada illustrate the need for an increase in the number of professionals providing quality aging-related services and supports. However, current research has barely begun to explore the extent to which ageist views of older adults and social stereotypes are internalized by professionals and may inadvertently go unchallenged in the context of practice. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes of students specializing in gerontology and serving older adults in their field placement settings, prior to entering the workforce. We recruited twelve social work and social service worker students, ages 19-56, reflecting diverse race, ethnicity and life experiences for an arts-based research project. We video-recorded the students’ 5-week process developing two 4 x 4 foot mixed media tapestries and conducted two focus groups to document their reflections of their experiences in the project. Data were analyzed using visual coding and thematic analysis. We report on themes captured during the students’ development of the tapestries and showcase their final artistic work. Students shared their professional experiences and reflected on the extent to which older persons experienced ageism and social myths of aging. In spite of students’ initial discomfort in not perceiving themselves as artists, students shared how the art process impacted their ability to see broader themes related to aging and social injustices previously missed, which validated their desire to respect older adults’ life-long competencies, their resiliency, and enhanced their advocacy practices required to promote social change.
Presenters
Thecla DamianaklsAssociate Professor, Social Work, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Arts-based research, Ageism, Student Attitudes
