In recent years, interest in careers focusing on the study and care of aging persons has increased considerably. This interest is due in part to the fact that the field of Gerontology, the study of processes associated with aging, is expanding as the number of older Americans continues to increase, fast outpacing other segments of the population. With 35 million Americans currently over the age of 65 and a projected 40 million elderly citizens by the year 2010, we are now facing crucial issues about aging which will impact the health and welfare of every single American.
The implications for academic study and training in Gerontology in universities are enormous. Practically all academic disciplines and non-academic professions are affected by the aging of Americans. The biomedical, nursing and health, psychological, behavioral, and social and political sciences, as well as education, business, engineering, architecture, conflict resolution, and other major disciplines are all factors in the quality of life for aging persons. The study of aging and associated issues, therefore, will be of critical importance during the next century as the "baby boomers" pass into the ranks of the older generation.
Careers in gerontology include activities that are focused directly or indirectly on the study and care of older persons. Direct interactions involving service delivery, or those related to teaching, research, policy development, program development, advocacy, administration, law, and analysis of aging policy and aging issues all demand preparation in the Gerontology field. Some examples of career options in Gerontology include but are not limited to those listed below.
Gerontological nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physicians, pediatricians, allied health professionals (speech, physical, recreational and occupational therapists), pharmacists, psychiatrists, social workers are examples of providers who deliver direct services to the elderly. They work in a variety of settings; however, if the present trend continues, a majority of services will be delivered in non-traditional community-based settings. Several of the above health care providers are also trending towards serving as case managers for the elderly.
Comprehensive health care requires knowledge of various disciplines in mental health; geropsychiatrists, geropsychiatric nurses and social workers, mental health therapists and other specialists are needed to provide mental health services to the elderly.
Recreation specialists and exercise therapists are being sought by various administrators to provide services in a variety of traditional and non-community-based facilities.
Education in aging is crucial to all disciplines and all segments of society. Ideally, a solid foundation should be laid in early childhood, portraying a positive image of aging. In addition, educators in local schools, colleges and universities are working increasingly with older learners and need to acquire the teaching skills needed to interact with this group. Special courses, seminars and workshops are conducted in community settings, since learning is a life-long process for everyone.
Gerontological research is developing at an astounding rate; yet there is still much knowledge to be uncovered in the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of aging. New research findings are communicated to a wide audience via professional journal articles, oral presentations, and other means. There is much work that still needs to be done to ensure that this vital information reaches care-providers, policy-makers and program planners at local, state, and federal levels.
Specialists in policy development, policy analysis, program development and evaluation work in a variety of agencies at the local, state and federal levels. In addition, knowledgeable people serve on aging committees, on advisory boards and in a consultant capacity, for private and public organizations. Examples of such agencies are the Agency for Health Care Policy, Senate and House Sub-committees, Area Agencies on Aging, American Association of Retired Persons, The National Council on Aging, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, various senior centers and long-term care facilities, etc.
All aging organizations and programs need skilled and knowledgeable people to manage their affairs. Related positions include managers, administrators, supervisors, program specialists, program directors, analysts and evaluators, public relations and media experts, and personnel directors or specialists.
Informed architects, engineers, urban planners, resident managers, and maintenance staff are necessary to design, build and maintain residential facilitates that are appropriate for elderly persons.
Legal service for the elderly is a specialized discipline that requires knowledge of the elderly and related areas. In some states and municipalities, special legal services are provided to the elderly.
These are only some of the many existing Gerontology related careers. Through formal coursework and practical experiences, students can learn more about additional opportunities in the field. The current job market is driven by an aging population and rapidly increasing technology and corporate development and growth. Creative, insightful, and caring people from many professions will undoubtedly respond effectively to the needs of an aging society. The Gerontology Certificate Program perches on the cutting edge of interdisciplinary study to offer educational and practical preparation to students who are committed to advancement and sensitive to the needs of America’s aging population.
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