Educators in health and social care could do more to overcome the stereotypical views that deter trainees from choosing a career in the specialty, say Alice Coffey and colleagues
An ageing population that is increasing does not necessarily mean an increase in people who require health and social care. However, it is predicted that a wide range of such services is likely to be needed. This demand is set against a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and a lack of interest in working with older people. There is a particular shortage of skilled gerontological workers in the developed world, made worse by a perceived lack of professional esteem, economic reward and poor working environments in the specialism.
Most studies recommend education to enable individuals to develop accurate knowledge about the ageing process and interest in working with older people. There is a discrepancy in the literature as to whether health and social care workers hold positive or negative attitudes towards older people. As attitudes are strongly linked with perceptions of working with older people, this article presents a review of the literature and discussion on attitudes of health and social care students to ageing and perceptions of working with older people.
Nursing Older People. 27, 1, 33-37. doi: 10.7748/nop.27.1.33.e648
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 11 September 2014
Accepted: 30 October 2014
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