MAC Modules > Introduction
Social work faces the urgent challenge of training substantial numbers of professionals to work competently with the rapidly growing population of older adults, defined as those 65 and over. In 2000, there were an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in the United States, accounting for nearly 13 percent of the population. By the year 2030 the size of the older population is projected to double to 70 million and account for 20 percent of the population Those age 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of this population, as well as those with the greatest health and social service needs. The professional opportunities for social workers will be great.
These training modules are intended as a way of exposing advanced MSW students to four important areas of gerontological social work: assessment of and intervention for depression in older adults, assessment of and intervention for substance abuse among older adults, working with the family of older adults, and issues such as self-awareness and use of self in work with older adults.
Each module provides an overview of the topic, and specific content to provide fundamental knowledge and skills in each area outlined. There is a vignette relevant to the content under discussion, followed by questions and exercises that will facilitate the application of this new material. Finally, there are resources for further learning and a brief survey regarding your thoughts about the module so we can evaluate its impact and improve it. Our hope is that this exposure to several facets of gerontolocial social work will motivate you to further explore and experience the challenges and rewards of work with older adults and their families.
