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When I'm 75 years old: perceptions of social work students
1School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. MNKane@aol.com
Social Work in Health Care
|October 30, 2008
Summary
Future social workers anticipate good health and social value in old age, despite expecting some cognitive decline. They do not foresee significant vulnerability to crime, loneliness, or needing extensive care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Work
- Psychology of Aging
Background:
- Understanding perceptions of aging is crucial for social work practice and education.
- Future social workers' beliefs about aging influence their professional outlook and client interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate social work students' beliefs about their future selves at age 75.
- To identify key factors influencing these perceptions, particularly health-related vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- A principle component analysis was used on data from 183 Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work students.
- Seven factor variables were identified: health concerns, health vulnerability, spiritual/religious belief, social worth, cognitive capacity, fitness, and being old.
- Multiple regression analysis examined predictors of perceived health-related vulnerability.
Main Results:
- Students anticipate being fit, having social worth, and being somewhat religious/spiritual at 75.
- They expect some cognitive decline but generally do not anticipate high vulnerability (e.g., crime, loneliness, needing assistance, Alzheimer's).
- Perceptions of health concerns, spiritual beliefs, social worth, cognitive capacity, and being old significantly predicted perceived health-related vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- Social work students hold generally positive, though not entirely unconcerned, views of their future aging selves.
- These perceptions highlight the importance of addressing ageism and promoting realistic expectations in social work education.
- Findings have implications for training future professionals to support aging populations effectively.
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