In 2023, the second cohort of Sigler Family Aging Scholars, Kristin Nichols, Lindsay Huddlestun, and Sam Gibson, highlighted the untold stories of professionals working with older adults to inspire others to pursue the gerontological practice. In light of the rapid growth of the older adult population in the US, the number of aging-focused social workers, as well as other healthcare and social services professionals, falls far below the projected need. This video was intended to draw others to this work by creating a space for folks who have experience working with older adults to share their stories from the field.

The video was launched at a continuing education webinar in April 2023, attended by 75 practitioners from across Kansas. In creating the video and hosting this event, we partnered with a local non-profit, Kansas Advocates for Better Care, whose staff was also interested in promoting aging practice among new professionals. During the launch event, three panelists also shared advocacy-focused resources for practitioners working with older adults around topics of creating dementia-friendly communities, supporting older adults in need of long-term care, and advocating for older survivors of domestic violence.