Gerontology education: A new paradigm for the 21st century

Prevailing generalizations and myths about aging and older people tend to exaggerate health problems, loneliness, and financial difficulties in later years. Factual information about aging is rarely discussed: in family groups or. presented in popular media. Planned instruction about aging in grades K-16 seldom occurs; if educators provide aging information at all, it tends to focus on geriatric health and social problems rather than on successful and productive aging. This article presents educational issues and trends that help students of all ages better understand and appreciate the experience of aging. It promotes the ideology of aging as a diversity issue and includes recommendations for altering traditional views about aging and methods for integrating accurate and non-biased aging information into K-16 and adult education classrooms.