Types Of Gerontology

Gerontologist Occupational Outlook

Gerontologists study the aging process and focus on the period between middle age and later life (“Medical Scientists,” 2014; Rizza & Langer, 2010). Classically, gerontology has been divided into sub-disciplines covering the psychology of aging, social sciences of aging, health gerontology and the biology of aging (O’Neil, 2012). This wide-ranging field addresses normal mental, physical and social challenges as well as the inevitable frailty, illness and death that people experience as they age (O’Neil, 2012). Gerontologists also evaluate the societal changes that result from an aging population (“Sociologists,” 2014). They apply this knowledge to programs and policies to improve the quality of life for the elderly (O’Neil, 2012). Given the multidisciplinary interests of gerontologists, professional work is found in various fields and employs graduates from mixed educational backgrounds (“Medical Scientists,” 2014; O’Neil, 2012; Psychologists,”2014; Rizza & Langer, 2010; “Sociologists,” 2014).

Growing career opportunities in gerontology are forecast in a variety of professions. Lower birth rates and increased longevity have resulted in an older U.S. population and a rapidly aging world. Given the rapidly increasing needs of the growing baby boom generation and a shortage of gerontological expertise, qualified gerontologists from all disciplinary backgrounds are vital. Job prospects for gerontologists from all four sub-disciplines are lucrative (Devine, 2004; Goldberg & Devine, 2004; (“Medical Scientists,” 2014; O’Neil, 2012; “Psychologists,” 2014; “Sociologists,” 2014).

Students, who are interested in a gerontology career usually obtain an undergraduate degree in the sciences or soci...

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... and dying might require the development of long-term financing options and investment and estate plans (Dussen & Leson, 2010).

Gerontologists who work on behalf of the elderly investigate housing alternatives and the health care system. They plan, administer and evaluate service delivery systems and community-based services for the elderly. Gerontologists interested in education teach gerontology courses to university and college students as well as health care professionals and aging adults. They advocate for the elderly before institutional settings and legislative bodies and advise industry, business and labor groups regarding the aging consumers and workers. Gerontologists also focus on designing products and services to meet the particular needs of the aging population (Goldberg & Devine, 2004; O’Neil, 2012; Rizza & Langer, 2010; “Social Workers,” 2014).