Teaching Note—Speed Dating With Older Adults: Reducing Ageism in Social Work Students

ABSTRACT

Through an experiential learning project, social work students were able to examine ageist ideas of older adults and appreciate that, regardless of age, all humans need companionship. These insights allowed students to examine their ageist ideas and values toward older adults toward positive change. Engagement across micro, mezzo, and macro practices increased student interest in working with older adults in field education placement and future workplace. The results were advantageous for both students and older adults. This article discusses the development and implementation of two speed-dating events for older adults by social work students in a Human Behavior in the Social Environment II course, the benefits to students and participants, and the lessons learned through the evaluation process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The experiential learning project was funded by a Funding for Results grant through Southeast Missouri State University; Southeast Missouri State University, Funding for Results Demonstration Grant [103720].

Notes on contributors

Dana C. Branson

Dana C. Branson, PhD, LCSW, is an assistant professor Southeast Missouri State University.