COMING SOON!

Empowering Future Social Workers to Meet the Needs of Canada’s Aging Population

As Canada’s population ages, the demand for informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive care is more important than ever. Gerontological Social Work: Canadian Perspectives rises to meet this challenge, offering a groundbreaking integration of social work principles, gerontology, and the unique Canadian context—shaped by rapid technological change and evolving societal values.

Designed for students, educators, and professionals in human services, this essential textbook goes beyond theory to provide a nuanced, practical guide to working with older adults. It delivers deep insight into how factors like cultural heritage, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and spirituality shape the aging experience in Canada today.

What sets this book apart is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Each chapter weaves in critical perspectives on Indigenous aging, racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQ+ identities, reinforcing the need for equity-driven approaches across all areas of practice.

By blending rigorous academic frameworks with real-world application, Gerontological Social Work: Canadian Perspectives equips readers to navigate the complex realities of aging and empowers them to lead with empathy, competence, and cultural humility.

Chapter 1 – The Canadian Context of Social Work Practice With Older Adults
Chapter 2 – The Aging Body: Biological and Cognitive Changes and Social Construction
Chapter 3 – Knowledge Building Around Aging
Chapter 4 – W/holistic Social Work Assessment for Older Adults
Chapter 5 – Institutional Determinants of Older Adults’ Well-being: Income, Housing, Food Security, and Transportation
Chapter 6 – Support Systems: Couple Relationships, Family Life, Social Connections, and Caregiving
Chapter 7 – Violence, Abuse, and Neglect Against Older Adults
Chapter 8 – Health Care and Social Work in Later Years
Chapter 9 – Mental Health and Addiction Issues
Chapter 10 – Living With Dementia
Chapter 11 – End-of-Life Issues
Chapter 12 – Loss and Grief
Chapter 13 – Integrated approaches to holistic well-being in later life: Spirituality and Alternative Intervention Strategies
Chapter 14 – Aging in a Digital Era

Dr. Hai Luo’s work addresses the social and health issues of older adults of diverse cultural backgrounds and the implications for social theory and practice. Her research and publications include global Indigenous aging, cross-cultural aging, mental health, substance abuse, and addiction in older adults, elder abuse, end-of-life issues, social capital, and social work leadership. She is active in gerontological education and international collaboration of social work research. She currently is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work and a Co-Chair of the Human Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba.