Using artistic tapestries to explore students’ attitudes toward older adults and the aging process

In Ontario, Canada, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers governs and regulates the practice of both the social work and social service worker professions. Aging demographics imply the need for more gerontology trained social work and social service worker professionals, yet students’ interest in the field of aging remains low. The purpose of this arts-based study was to explore twenty undergraduate social work and social service worker students’ attitudes toward older adults and the aging process in the course of their gerontology setting field placement learning. We developed an arts methodology inviting student participants’ to engage in creating two themed mixed media art tapestries, over the course of five weeks. Video recordings captured the group processes and the evolution of the tapestries capturing a number of aging themes. Overall, the supportive group environment helped participants deepen their understanding of aging and the life-course. The tapestry creations provided an innovative outlet for sharing positive personal and professional perceptions and experiences regarding older adults and aging. We report results from two focus groups (conducted post tapestry completion) that capture students’ experiences regarding participation in the study and the meaning that the tapestries held for them. Also highlighted are facilitation recommendations identified by the students as essential to a successful tapestry experience. This research was supported by a grant from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS), University of Windsor, Windsor, ON.