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Course Description

The number of people aged 65 and older in the United States is projected to more than double by 2060. Social workers working in virtually every setting encounter older adults and should be aware of the unique psychological, emotional, financial, and social issues facing this growing cohort of our population. Social workers are in a critical position to develop and/or tailor interventions for older adults to optimize quality of life and promote healthy aging. Unfortunately, gaps often exist in the provision of optimal psychosocial care for older adults. In this course, we will discuss key psychosocial issues for older adults including: unique manifestations of depression and anxiety and their impact on diagnosis and treatment, the critical role of social support and caregiver issues, medical treatment decision-making and advance care planning, and health literacy and communication needs. 

Target Level Audience:  Beginner

Course Outline

(00:15)  Course Overview and Review of Learning Objectives 
(00:25)  Epidemiology and Demographics of Aging in the U.S. 
(00:10)  Ageism: Definition and Impact on Physical and Mental Health 
(00:30)  Unique Issues in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults 
(00:10)  Break 
(00:30)  Social Support, Caregiving and Older Adults 
(00:15)  Role of Social Workers in Advance Care Planning 
(00:15)  Health Literacy and Older Adults 
(00:15)  Optimizing Communication Strategies for Older Adults 
(00:15)  Wrap-Up and Questions

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:  

  • Describe how the aging of the U.S. population will challenge existing medical, financial, and social institutions;  
  • Identify physical, psychosocial, and emotional challenges unique to older adults; and 
  • Define the social workers’ role in advocating for the psychosocial needs of an older adult population. 

When participants return to the workplace, they will be able to:  

  • Demonstrate optimal communication strategies for an older adult population; and 
  • Implement research-informed interventions to promote healthy aging.
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