Adapting A Project-Based Aging Laboratory During a Pandemic. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andersen, Troy; Edelman, Linda
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Aging Well in Utah is a competitive 2-semester project-based Honor's College Praxis Laboratory for 9 students from different degree programs dedicated to deepening understanding of the aging process through a broad gerontological lens. This session will address how the course was adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including: 1) scheduling virtual class times with guest lecturers; 2) conducting older adult interviews via Zoom to provide students experience in communicating "what matters most", one of the 4Ms of Age Friendly HealthCare; 3) adapting a student-designed medical narrative project highlighting stories of transition and healing through the dying process for previously unsheltered residents of a hospice program to focus on the lived experience of hospice patients during COVID-19; and 4) utilizing virtual technology to interview hospice patients, family members and hospice staff. In spite of challenges, student evaluations were above average and reported increased interest in incorporating age-friendly concepts into future careers.