Area Geriatric Education Scholars in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Area Geriatric Education Scholars (AGES)has offered training and summer internship placements for high school youth at long-term sites in Michigan's remote, rural, aging and underserved Upper Peninsula since 2006. The 38 AGES 2007 student-interns job-shadow health care professionals e.g. nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapist, dietitians), led senior activities (e.g. “Wheel Chair Tai Chi”) and provided companionship for elderly facility residents at 13 long-term care sites. Follow-up tracking is underway as to their progression through the health careers pipeline. Measurable improvements have been assessed in terms of a) positive impacts on youth attitudes re: seniors, aging, health careers serving elderly; b) greater awareness of senior health issues by youth; and c) increased entry into health professions programs. Funding and promotion is accomplished largely at the local level through foundations, community groups and private support. AGES meets current, near-term and long-term workforce shortages – through recruitment and retention of skilled healthcare workers. AGES is a model effort which can be replicated and tailored to the particular needs of rural, suburban and urban communities nationwide.

- Session attendees will:

1 - Increase their understanding of the value of the additional support offered to elderly nursing home residents and their professional caregivers through a community-based summer internship program for youth.

2 - Develop skills in fund development through community-building at the local level.

3 - Learn how to create a low-cost AGES-type program in their own communities to address local health workforce needs to care for an increasing elderly population while simultaneously providing real world experience for area youth.