Silverstein Nina M, Sullivan Donna M, Murtha Jenai, Jawad May H
College of Public and Community Service, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrisey Blvd, Boston, MA, 02125-3393, USA.
Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2005;26(2):51-68. doi: 10.1300/j021v26n02_04.
The Frank J. Manning Certificate Program in Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston was established in 1979 as part of an Administration on Aging (AoA) grant to develop and expand services to the elderly citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program was designed to implement concepts associated with productive aging theory and traditionally has targeted learners age 60 and older. Alumni representing classes from 1980 to 2001 were surveyed by phone to learn if the original program objectives still have relevance today and to document how alumni have utilized knowledge and skills attained in the program. Almost 80% (364) of surviving alumni completed interviews. Specifically, alumni were asked about their volunteer experiences, employment, and advocacy efforts within the aging network of programs and services, as well as the impact of their training on their own aging. About 3/4 of the alumni had volunteered with elders since completing the program, while 1/4 worked in the aging network. Additional outcomes support the notion of life-long learning with many alumni continuing their education beyond the certificate program. In addition, many alumni reported utilizing knowledge and skills in caregiving for family members and friends. This study will help document the value of certificate-level training in Gerontology for its students and for the communities they serve.
马萨诸塞大学波士顿分校的弗兰克·J·曼宁老年学证书项目于1979年设立，是美国老龄问题管理局（AoA）一项拨款的一部分，旨在为马萨诸塞州的老年公民开发和扩展服务。该项目旨在践行与积极老龄化理论相关的理念，传统上其目标受众是60岁及以上的学习者。通过电话对1980年至2001年各班级的校友进行了调查，以了解该项目最初的目标如今是否仍然具有相关性，并记录校友如何运用在该项目中获得的知识和技能。近80%（364人）在世的校友完成了访谈。具体而言，校友们被问及他们在老年项目和服务网络中的志愿经历、就业情况以及宣传工作，以及他们所接受的培训对自身老龄化的影响。约四分之三的校友自完成该项目后一直在为老年人提供志愿服务，而四分之一的校友在老年网络中工作。其他成果支持终身学习的理念，许多校友在完成证书项目后仍继续接受教育。此外，许多校友报告称在照顾家人和朋友时运用了所学的知识和技能。这项研究将有助于证明老年学证书级培训对其学生以及他们所服务的社区的价值。
