Social Work Practice with Older Adults

Demographic changes have created a need for social workers with interest, education and experience working with older adults and their families. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be older than 65, and one in five US residents will be of retirement age (US Census Projections, 2017). The number of Minnesotans turning 65 in the current decade will be greater than the past four decades combined. For the first time in history, Minnesota's 65+ population is expected to eclipse the population of individuals age 5-17 (MN State Demographic Center, 2018).

Gerontological social work is social work practice with older adults - primarily focused on maintaining and enhancing their quality of life. Gero-social work includes attention to physical, social, familial, cultural, community and societal factors that serve as barriers to the well-being of older adults and their families. As an Area of Emphasis in Aging Scholar, you'll work with faculty, alumni and community members who focus on the field of aging to develop specialized knowledge and training for serving older adults and their families.

Priority application deadline: March 15*
Extended deadline: May 1
All newly admitted Advanced Standing (AS) and Regular Standing (RS) MSW students are eligible to apply. Admitted students can access the application, when available, through OneStThomas.

The AEA Scholars program was piloted through a generous grant from the Council on Social Work Education Gero-Ed Center Specialized Gerontology Program and is sustained through support from the School of Social Work.

_{*Applications accepted past March 15 on a space available basis.}