Differences Among Preferred Methods for Furthering Aging Education in Ohio

Abstract

Workers serving Ohio's aging population will require increased levels of gerontological education. Using data from 55 Ohio counties, this project investigated the educational needs and reasons for seeking education from professionals in aging. Respondents reported interest in attaining aging related education. Preferred delivery methods included web based and interactive satellite instruction. Continuing education credit was preferred over college credit even though a high percentage indicated a desire for an additional degree (69.8%). Despite over 30 years of Ohio's universities providing aging related education, 58.6% of respondents have no formal aging related training, and 11.7% have only a single course in aging. Gerontological topics that most interested participants in an area for further understanding were Alzheimer's/dementia, medication, and mental health issues.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Cassandra Valentini for her help on the mailings for this project.

Notes

Note. Professions that were included in the Other category were cultural change, behavioral problems, palliative care and hospice, falls prevention and risk assessment, caregivers issues, pain management and other.