Abstract We are interdependent throughout life and should avoid positioning people to feel as if they have failed when we all need, ask for, receive, offer support life. Scholars in many fields recognize interdependence a component of the human condition However, U.S. society, aging services providers particular, deeply attached “remaining independent,” which plays into people’s fears becoming dependent sense failure is needed. Here, argue that efforts be directed toward reframing...

College students are poised to take on important leadership roles in society, and as such, it is vital that they understand the interests needs of people throughout life course do not harbor ageist believes may play out policies enact, services provide, or products create. Many college have little exposure interaction with older adults aside from family members such grandparents, their primary sources knowledge aging various media outlets. To how these factors converge, were asked list words...

Psychiatric treatments fail to produce positive outcomes when patients miss their appointments. Unfortunately, only about half of all needing psychiatric treatment actively engage in recommended regimens. 1 The reasons for non-engagement include stigma, ageism (i.e. mental health problems are perceived be a normal part ageing) and absence patient condition insight (denial).2,3 On the other hand, attend appointments readiness, recognition benefits, collaborative physicians history.4 This...

The purpose and rise of formal academic programs in gerontology at colleges universities has been well documented over the last fifty years. What less well-documented is alternative pathways to training gerontological competence, including micro-credentialing. Micro-credentials (MCs) are intended provide quick-to-complete, competency-based education around specific topics demonstrate relevant skills employers. Little known about prevalence micro-credentialing related gerontology. To address...

Drawing is an effective method to understand attitudes and beliefs on aging, but the subject matter without explanation can be misinterpreted. We explored college students' drawings written descriptions of life course (N = 567). Participants drew, average, five phases. Most included human figures, most were alone in each phase. Fifteen percent non-human representations. Some characteristics (e.g. hair changes [58%]) contexts birth [91%]) present both descriptions. Others only throughout...

Abstract Having joined the Age Friendly University Global Network and continuing transition to an R2 institution, of North Carolina Wilmington is poised for strengthening its graduate program in gerontology. The program, like others, was once on low productivity list considered dissolution, has only two full-time faculty members making collaborative efforts vital. To facilitate recruitment into MS Applied Gerontology situate firmly university’s infrastructure, we have initiated a variety...

Abstract Topics related to end-of-life (EOL) and advance care planning (ACP) can be fraught, both for instructors students. Further, teaching about these topics challenging as they (and, we argue, should) addressed through multiple disciplinary lenses, ideally in an interdisciplinary fashion. In this paper, share effort teach EOL ACP at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Faculty Psychology, Gerontology, Philosophy, Respiratory Therapy collaborated create interdisciplinary,...

Abstract Upon learning that some celebrations of the 100th day school involve young children dressing up “like a 100-year-old,” our team questioned ageist ideas this activity could reinforce. Children adopt beliefs about various social groups at an early age. They are inundated with messages through books, TV, and other sources internalize those without questioning them. Those who hold negative views aging live, on average, 7.5 fewer years than positive views. To prevent outcomes, must be...

Abstract It takes fortitude for GSA members to embrace engagement in their academic roles. Engagement is the opportunity informing and enhancing research, teaching, service, policy by actively participating activities that connect students with external partners community. In this AGHE Presidential Symposium, leading scholars whose grit determination will address important role has uplifting gerontology geriatrics education. Elinor Schoenfeld colleagues provide insights into innovative,...

Abstract While the benefits of connecting older adults with college-aged students are well-documented in literature, practical application these individuals together intergenerational learning spaces is more challenging. This session focuses on challenges and strategies for successfully implementing sustaining connections higher education using technology or traditional tools like board games. Each presentation outlines an innovative way both inside outside classroom. The first factors that...

Purpose Many older adults engage in volunteer activities, drawing meaning and purpose through such efforts. Social distancing restrictions, put place during Covid-19 surges to reduce the risk of transmission, disrupted adult volunteers’ lives experiences. measures provide a unique opportunity explore what happened when choices around pausing or stopping volunteering were not entirely within control adults. This paper aims experiences volunteers as they navigated uncertainties made difficult...

Environmental literacy can empower students to make positive changes in their environment. Understanding the rates of environmental college color is particularly important because African American, Asian, and indigenous peoples (BIPOC) are most likely be disproportionately impacted by degradation. We administered a survey with questions regarding undergraduate at comprehensive midwestern university fall 2019 resulting 2560 participants (about 25% student population). An ANOVA comparing...

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid, telephone-based cardiac rehabilitation (TBCR) program implemented early in COVID-19 pandemic compared with in-person, center-based programming offered prior pandemic. The focus on older adults’ engagement and outcomes. Matched groups hybrid in-person (CR) participants were created from existing data using t-tests repeated measures ANOVAs. Qualitative interviews conducted participating CR staff then transcribed, coded,...

Abstract The University of North Carolina Wilmington was reclassified as an R2 institution in 2018. As such, additional focus has been placed on graduate programs and the generation research. More recently, UNCW’s Chancellor Volety followed recommendations from faculty, staff, students to seek endorse Age Friendly principles. These two accomplishments create ideal conditions for growing gerontology program, which had low productivity list considered dissolution (as happened with many around...

Abstract Beliefs about aging and older adults form early in life persist. People who hold positive views of rather than internalized ageism live, on average, 7.5 years longer. Communities where retain meaningful engagement are respected experience greater longevity better social physical well-being among people all ages. Having interactions with increases likelihood pursuing careers working people. Promoting positive, accurate benefits individuals (of ages) but is most effective when...

Abstract Upon learning that some teachers celebrate the 100th day of school by asking young children to dress up “like a 100-year-old,” presenters questioned what ideas about aging are reinforced such an activity. Social media images reveal many these activities lead stereotypical presentations older people. Additionally, “fun” activity dressing like centenarian teaches it is okay have fun at expense another segment population and reinforces belief people frail, weak, confused, out touch....

Abstract Across GSA member groups, we teach, train, and mentor in a variety of ways for different purposes. Education is tie that connects us across the Society. In this AGHE Presidential Symposium, representatives from membership sections will discuss educational needs their members share strategies they employ with students, employees, mentees, others to ensure best preparation workforce. Researchers, care providers, educators, advocates, must be well-prepared address opportunities demands...

Community resources are an important aspect of preventive medicine and can also provide support to individuals with existing medical conditions. However, may not address all population groups within the community equally, immigrants, who frequently face cultural language barriers, often unable access full range healthcare available in community. The purpose this study was gain insight on needs, attitudes, a Ukrainian immigrant large town northern Indiana. Focus were conducted as first step...

Abstract By graduation most high school students have negative feelings about aging, the idea of working with older people is unappealing, and few choose to study aging. When non-traditional any age enroll after gaining experience in workforce, they ageism may not persist degree completion. The value Ageism First Aid (AFA) as an internal external AFU tool supported by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory Rogers’ Diffusion Innovation theory. AFA utilization during can increase...

Abstract The current academic climate has left naturally occurring faculty-led student research experiences and mentoring a challenge. This is coupled with an already existing dearth of future scientists interested in aging-related research. overarching goal the Enhancing Research for OnLine Learners (EnROLL) Program to facilitate collaboration among undergraduate minoritized students, graduate distance learners, health sciences faculty, partners. program includes variety strategic...

Abstract Music therapy (MT) has been an established healthcare profession in the United States for over seven decades. MT interventions are non-pharmacological approaches, administered by board-certified music therapists, designed to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. One aspect of health where may be use older adults is improving poor sleep quality, which associated with increased risk morbidity mortality. Many pharmacological treatments insomnia other...

Abstract As the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) seeks to become more age-friendly and stakeholders pursue endorsement Age-Friendly principles, a virtual intergenerational mentoring project was implemented. The aim connect community’s older adults, including retired faculty, with current students. Older adults students were paired asked engage in series conversations, watch documentary, attend Q&A filmmaker. goals improve social connectedness well-being, expectations...

Objectives: To examine preliminary feasibility of a virtually mentally stimulating activities (VMSA) program for community-dwelling older adults (aim 1) and the impact VMSA on loneliness, depressive symptoms, satisfaction with life 2).Design: This was designed as pre-experimental case study.Setting: Virtual participants.Participants: Four adults, age range from 67 to 79 (mean = 72, SD 4.6) who resided in community were active local senior resource center, included this study.Intervention: A...