BRINGING DIVERSE STORIES OF AGING INTO THE CLASSROOM: A FOCUS ON LGBTQ+ AGING. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, K; Stinchcombe, A; Kortes-Miller, K
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 847
• Page End: 847
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.3157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Despite population aging, gaps in curricula and training related to gerontology are well documented across disciplines. Even within programs and courses that include content on aging, little is focused on diverse experiences of aging. Older adults who are part of the LGBTQ+ community have unique social and historical contexts as well as health and social needs related to their sexual minority status. Yet, these factors are rarely embedded into training and education. In an effort to close this gap and to bring diverse stories of aging into the classroom 3 older adults who are members of the LGBTQ+ community created digital stories highlighting their aging experience. Digital storytelling is a process that allows individuals to create 2 to 3 minute-long videos that pair audio recordings of personal narratives with visuals. Paired with research on LGBTQ+ aging, these digital stories were presented to 175 students at three universities in Ontario, Canada in a range of disciplines (social work, health sciences, psychology, counseling, sociology, etc.). Students reflected on their experience viewing the stories and in particular how the stories impacted their understanding of LGBTQ+ aging. Responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results indicated that students had powerful reactions to viewing these stories and students recognized their own assumptions, biases and lack of knowledge about LGBTQ+ aging. This study offers important pedagogical contributions to the field of gerontology. Embedding diverse stories of aging into curricula and training programs is vital for building capacity and expertise among future health and social care providers.