Gerontology Jobs

This area provides information about Gerontology jobs and various other facets including specialization and where gerontologists seek employment.

What is Gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of human aging processes from middle age into later life. It includes:

Studying physical, mental, and social changes in people as they age

Investigating changes in society resulting from an aging population

Applying this knowledge to policies and programs.

Gerontology is multi-disciplinary and professionals originating from many different fields of study are Gerontologists. The related field of Geriatrics focuses on the study of health, disease, and healthcare in aging individuals.

What Do Gerontologists Do?

Gerontologists may work directly with clients or indirectly through agencies. Examples of the personal focus include:

providing direct care to impaired older persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or through adult day care or home care programs

counseling older persons and their families about care-giving, employment, death and dying, or mental health, estate planning and investments, financing long-term care, or housing options.

Examples of supportive work may include:

·

educate people about aging and the social implications of personal changes ·

advocacy for rights of senior citizens·

conducting research on diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or osteoporosis

planning, administering, and evaluating community-based services

teaching courses on aging to college and university students, health care professionals

designing products to meet the special interests and needs of older persons

advising business, industry, and labor

What do qualifications do Gerontologists need?

A strong interest in improving the lives of older people and a desire to work with older people are essential. Good communication skills are necessary. Knowledge and skills in areas such as biology, sociology, psychology or anthropology, public policy, humanities, and economics are important

The ability to work together with other professionals and untrained individuals is critical. Qualified professionals may originate from related careers such as: social work, nursing, counseling, recreation, public policy, long-term care administration, medicine, architecture, psychology, adult education, and rehabilitation therapy.

What areas do Gerontologists cover in their courses?

Gerontology degree holders gain a broad understanding of the aging process, and have more training in administration and policy than most related disciplines. Furthermore :

Community college programs train students for entry-level jobs.

An undergraduate degree in gerontology qualifies students for entry-level or mid-level jobs as practitioners and planners in local and state agencies.

Master's-level training prepares professionals to become administrators, planners, and practitioners.

Doctoral level specializations in aging prepare students for careers in research, teaching, administration, or clinical practice.

Postdoctoral programs or fellowships focus on research and professional development.

What areas of specialization may Gerontologists choose?

Specializations are defined by the of client service: Individual care, Public health, Academic, community service, Business or Industry, or Education, Social work, or counseling. A distinctive specialty is developing adaptive devices, policies and practice to meet changing needs of aging population.

Where do Gerontologists work?

Gerontologists work in many settings: social service agencies, corporations, health care or long-term care facilities, residential or retirement centers, mental health facilities, government agencies, advocacy groups, and professional organizations, Travel and leisure industries market to an aging population. Academic research and education opportunities are increasing. Some gerontologists become consultants.

Online Resources

http://www.geron.org/

http://www.geron.org/agework/index.html

http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/professionals.html