National Association of Social Workers

Challenge of Aging Population Nearing

Much of Social Work Workforce Also Aging, Retiring

NASW is working with the New York Academy of Medicine to train social workers.

By Lyn Stoesen, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

America is getting older. The U.S. Administration on Aging predicts that by 2030, about 70 million people in the United States will be over age 65 — more than twice as many as in 2000.

With an aging population will come an increased need for health care and support services, including the services of social workers. Older adults are more likely to develop chronic illnesses. Late-life depression affects millions, but only a fraction receive treatment. Older adults are subject to economic disparity, with many living in poverty. And family members of older adults need support in negotiating daily living issues.

NASW and other social work organizations have been working to develop and improve gerontological social work through schools of social work, recruitment efforts and continuing education programs.

"It has been clear for some time that aging is a growing and important field for social workers," said Tracy Whitaker, director of the NASWCenter for Workforce Studies. "But the aging population will impact social workers in all areas of practice. We must be prepared for that."

In addition to addressing the needs of the aging population, social work leaders are also grappling with the aging of the social work workforce. "Social workers are aging, just like the rest of the population," Whitaker said, "but our workforce is already older than the general workforce. We face significant challenges in the coming decades."

Proactive steps. NASW has been working with the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) and the John A. Hartford Foundation to improve education on social work with older adults.

As part of that work, NASW is launching an online course, "Understanding Aging: The Social Worker's Role," with funding from the Hartford Foundation and NYAM. Other projects are also under way.

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From November 2005 NASW News. © 2005 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.