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The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. By the year 2050, 39% of those 65+ will be from minority groups, up from 21% in 2012 (Ortman et al., 2014). These figures have significant implications for aging policy, including concerns over ageism and racism. Discrimination can take many forms, and can be present in legislation, advertising, attitudes, the workplace, and the health care system (Snaedal, 2015). The present study examines perceptions of racial and age discrimination of older adults living in the community and its impact on their quality of life. Using a cross-sectional design, 134 participants over the age of 60 were surveyed at three senior centers with ethnically diverse populations. The Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ-24) was used to assess participants’ perceptions and experiences with aging and perceptions of racism were assessed using an adaptation of the Modern Racism Scale. Findings from the AAQ-24 revealed an average score of 27.1 (SD=6.66) for psychosocial loss, 28.3 (SD=5.34) for physical change, and 30.5 (SD=4.65) for psychological growth, indicating moderately high levels of ageism. For the racism scale, the average total score for all respondents was 34.4 (SD=7.05), also moderate. This study helps shed some light on what older adults feel about the aging, as well as their concerns with racial discrimination. The insights gained from older adults’ experiences and perceptions can help shape policies for future generations.

As people age, ensuing physical and psychological problems can increase, which makes it paramount to be comfortable discussing medical needs with health care professionals, particularly in light of the danger associated with misunderstanding medication use and combining alcohol with prescriptions and/or over the counter medications (National Institute on Aging, 2018). National studies found that about 40 percent of adults ages 65 and older drink alcohol and often do not understand the dangers of combining alcohol with medications (National Institute for Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, 2008). An educational intervention was developed with a team of expert physicians, nurses, pharmacists and social workers who work in gerontology to focus on improving communication and addressing alcohol and medication use for older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess whether the educational intervention improved older adults’ comfort in communicating with their health care providers, as well as their knowledge of the concomitant use of alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Results of a MANCOVA showed that those in the intervention group showed larger increases in scores on communication with their health providers and knowledge about the implications of combining alcohol with prescription drugs than those in the control group (Wilks’ Lamda=.808, F(3,76)=6.039, p=.001

As the health care system advances toward integrative care, there is an ongoing effort to improve patient care with interprofessional teams. Education of students is needed so they understand the value of interprofessional practice. This research explores the attitudes of social work students toward interprofessional practice and collaborative teams. A cross-sectional study was conducted with students in a large school of social work in order to understand their experiences in the field and classroom (N=125). The survey consisted of questions on demographics, training and education, attitudes toward interprofessional practice and collaborative teamwork, experience in the field of aging, and perceptions of other professionals. Results showed that overall students had positive attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork. However, students did not have extensive experience working or practicing in interprofessional teams. While attitudes were general positive, students indicated that they needed more training in working in health care teams. Insights from students in the field placements with older adult and their families will be discussed. Data on students’ perceptions of working with nurses, physicians and other health care professionals will also be presented. The presentation will also include a discussion of different approaches that have been used to strengthen training in interprofessional practice in both the classroom and the field setting. These educational efforts need to be amplified as we move forward in the profession to prepare students for interprofessional teamwork. Important considerations about educational needs and teaching strategies for students working in interprofessional practice with older adults and their families will be underscored.