Undergraduate psychology students’ attitudes to working with older adults with/without dementia and in aged care: the role of education

Australia’s ageing population is increasing the demand for aged care. Many psychology students seek alternative careers and possess skills valued in aged care, which could help address worker shortages. This study explored psychology students’ interest in working with older adults with/without dementia and their job seeking in aged care, which was expected to be higher among students with greater education on ageing and the aged care sector. In 2023 and 2024, University of Adelaide undergraduate psychology students completed anonymous surveys about their interest in working with older adults with/without dementia and job seeking in aged care. Surveys were administered before and after an educational module on ageing, which in 2024 included information on the aged care sector, employee benefits and available positions. Responses were analysed using t-tests to assess differences at the start and end of the module and between cohorts. Students before (n = 188) and after (n = 310) the module, were generally undecided or disinterested in working with older adults with/without dementia and working in aged care. However, they were more likely to seek work in aged care after receiving information about the sector. Findings suggest education is important, but stronger incentives are needed to attract undergraduate psychology students into the aged care workforce.