The senior/older population in Canada has grown significantly in the past decades. As a growing population, seniors are predicted to face significant physical, emotional, and mental health challenges, and are perceived as a burden to society. Because of this common societal perspective, this belief may contribute to a loss of self-esteem that is not discussed or acknowledged which renders them invisible. Other factors such as the diversity(age, race LGBTQ+) of seniors are not considered in policies and may also contribute to isolation anxiety and biases. Seniors or older adults are often viewed as knowledgeable and essential in contributing to lived experiences in some cultures, while in western societies there is a tendency where they are placed in communities such as retirement homes or assisted living. Additionally, seniors are often blamed for the increased need for medical care and the burden on the system. This belief can be diminishing for seniors who have contributed to the development of industries, society, and the country. The presentation will explore how social work education as a way of changing the perception of seniors is a space to build inquiry and discussion and disrupt the stereotype of seniors. The presentation is designed to discuss some of the inequities and biases experienced by seniors that can contribute to models of learning and practice. We will situate ourselves within the Treaty 7 territory where we live and work and describe ways that we have interacted personally and politically in support of seniors.

Authors:
Marva J Ferguson, Mount Royal University, Canada
Mikayla Crkvenac, Mount Royal University, Canada
Melissa De La O Villegas, Mount Royal University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Marva J. Ferguson-Associate Professor, Mount Royal University Calgary Alberta Canada
She is a Ph.D. candidate at Memorial University and a graduate of the University of Calgary. She holds a BSW and MSW in social work.

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

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