Teaching Aging Through Intersectionality for MSTEM and Other Disciplines

Recent years have seen a push for providing education in gerontology for social services and health care related disciplines. Equally important are efforts to similarly educate students in the fields of medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (MSTEM). MSTEM professionals can be instrumental in assisting the growing number of older adults and their families in overcoming challenges and building supports that can allow older persons to live self-determined, healthy, and happy lives. The standard gerontological training for students has involved content and instruction on the normative development and experiences of older adults and their families. This article will provide a model for a broad range of students how to understand and effectively work with and on behalf of older adults, through content on the normative, major issues and experiences with a critical focus on the diversity of the population and the multiple intersections of age with other identities.