 *Requires Adobe Acrobat | Regents Point Community Service Program |  |
*Requires Adobe Acrobat | Regents Point Community Service Program | |
Just like people of all ages, seniors ask others to understand who they are and what they need. Since the senior population has grown so very large, this simple request has become a thunderous demand, creating growth in the field of gerontology.
This study of aging is a multidisciplinary field that looks into the biological, psychological, health/fitness, economic and social issues that affect seniors. It investigates changes in individual seniors, and the affects the buildup of those changes has on society. It also applies new knowledge to the development and change of social policies.
Professionals from a variety of fields are integrating gerontology into their careers and businesses. Financial planners, attorneys, nurses, social workers, and even furniture movers are acquiring the knowledge and experience they need to better serve their senior patients/clients.
The study of growing older is not as new as some might think. For example, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) was conceived in 1939 and established in 1945. This organization is devoted to the study of aging and to helping keep scientists, decision makers and the general public informed. It focuses on four areas of expertise:
Other organizations have since sprouted to educate professionals in specific fields that serve the elderly population. They include the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) and the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work. In 1998, the GSA formed the Assn. of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) to support aging studies at the university level.
The demand is growing for professionals with a better understanding of seniors and the process of aging. This demand has led many colleges and universities to offer courses, certificate programs and degrees in the field of gerontology. To give you an idea of what they are teaching, here is a sample of courses presented at various colleges.
