The role of professional ethics in the fight against gerontological ageism while training social workers

The article shows how gerontological ageism can be prevented by embedding professional ethics in training of social workers. The ageism is often manifested through emotional alienation of young people and discriminatory practices towards the elderly. Survey data on social work students from the Yaroslavl State Medical University (YSMU) confirm the need for the training. During the survey, the KPAINS Freedom from Age questionnaire, which is a widespread gerontology tool, was used for early assessment of attitudes to aging. Young people’s psychological trends have confirmed that deeper ethical study is essential for those professionals who work with older adults. Students learn to apply the basic ethical principles of autonomy, dignity and justice while exercising complex interaction with older adults through analysis of practical cases. It confirms that training competent social professionals is ethically relevant.