Putting an end to ageism

The National Advisory Council on Aging in 1991 stated a need to encourage students in the health care professions to select careers in gerontology. Indeed, it may be argued that the inclusion of a comprehensive curriculum component on aging in each nursing program is essential to address the demographic changes in Canada. With the increase in longevity it is more important than ever for nursing students to value older persons and not be fearful of interacting with this age group. This raises the question as to what nursing education has done to address this issue.