Responding to the Silver Tsunami with Progressive and Exciting Educational Initiatives

Abstract

FOR MANY YEARS, GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING PROF E S S IONAL S HAVE BE EN TALKING ABOUT THE UPCOMING RISE IN THE OLDER ADULT POPULATION: BY THE YEAR THIS , BY THE TIME THAT.... WELL, THE SILVER TSUNAMI IS UPON US. The year 2011 saw the first baby boomer turn 65. While health promotion and disease prevention practices greatly impact the health of current and future older adults, it is estimated that more than 37 million people in this age group (60 percent) will manage one or more chronic conditions by 2030 (US Department of Health & Human Services [DHHS], 2012). Healthy People 2020 established a national objective improve the health, function, and quality of life for older adults (DHHS, 2012). The question remains, Are we ready prepare a nursing workforce meet this objective? In order address this question, Ironside, Tagliareni, McLaughlin, King, and Mengel (2010), in conjunction with the American Association of Community Colleges, conducted a survey of 531 associate degree nursing programs. The results of their 2006-2007 survey indicated a need for faculty development prepare students manage the diverse and complex needs of older adults, with specific suggestions for geriatric content, resources, and clinical experiences. With only slightly more than half of baccalaureate programs surveyed offering a stand-alone geriatric course (Gilje, Lacey, & Moore, 2007), the ability meet the Healthy People 2020 objective is questionable. Lange et al. (2009), in considering remedies, stated that to allow nurses provide that produces the best possible outcomes, the latest evidence about best geriatric nursing practices needs be disseminated nurses who are practicing at the point of care (p. 372). To ensure that older individuals have the opportunity live as healthy a life as possible with the highest quality of life, we as nurse educators must prepare a workforce that is skilled and knowledgeable for the unique health needs of this population. This special issue of Nursing Education Perspectives offers nurse educators a glimpse at both current and future innovation in geriatric nursing education. The issue begins with an article on promoting Quality Care for Older Adults: The NLN Advancing Care Excellence for Seniors (ACES). A discussion of the state of gerontological nursing content in general medical/surgical textbooks follows, and provides a good state of the science in gerontological nursing education. The next article, which explores the literature regarding attitudes toward aging, offers recommendations that can be implemented in nursing schools throughout the world. Further in the issue, the article Healthy Ager presents a unique approach geriatric clinical education in the form of an interprofessional, service-learning, town and gown partnership. A step-by-step instruction guide the development of a highly successful externship program provide early exposure gerontological nursing is the next featured article in the issue. …