The globally aging population has specific needs. From societal to medical requirements, older people rely on assistance and public policy that can protect their interests. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is gerontology?” Then this article is designed for you to help explain the ins and outs of the study of aging!
Let’s take a look at what gerontology entails, as well as potential career paths you can take with a degree in gerontology.
As people survive longer, the science and understanding of this population’s needs has also improved and evolved. The field offers an opportunity to apply a diverse range of multidisciplinary knowledge, including: psychology, public health, physiology, social science, and public policy to the work that’s being done.
To paint a better picture of what gerontology entails, here’s a look at its deeper and all-encompassing definition:
The scientific study of processes in the human body that occur from middle age to late in life
A multidisciplinary approach to understand the societal changes as populations live into old age
Applying this knowledge and information in practice to policies and procedures
Gerontology Vs. Geriatrics
There’s a possibility that you’re thinking, “But I thought this was what geriatrics is about.” And that’s not entirely wrong, but geriatrics is more specialized in medicine. Here’s the main difference between the two:
Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on treating and caring for old people.
Gerontology is a wide-lens study that not only focuses on the physical and mental health of the elderly, but it also takes into account societal implications and public policies.
Why Study Gerontology?
With a globally aging population, society is greatly affected. From medical care to Social Security and more, the broad-scale effects touch the lives of every living person. Plus, the number of elderly people continues to grow each day, so the world needs experts to address policy and protect the needs of this cohort.
While geriatrics is equally as important and necessary, gerontologists can create positive change and assist with decision-making by adding insight from different backgrounds, like nursing, sociology, social work, economics, etc.
The constant increase in an aging population translates into a high demand for professionals who study gerontology.
Types of Gerontology Degrees
Degrees in gerontology are offered at all levels. For those who wish to work in administration or non-clinical positions, degrees are also available online.
Certifications
For students who wish to work in entry-level positions with the elderly population, a certification may be all that is required. These positions tend to exist in senior day care centers, nursing homes or private homes. These programs generally consist of 10 courses spanning subjects like: Communication and Aging and an Introduction to Gerontology.
Associate Degrees
Typically, associate degrees in gerontology take two years to complete. In some cases, they may also require an internship to graduate. An associate degree is a next level from a certification. It can be seen as a stepping stone to move from entry-level positions or can be a good option for those who are undergoing a career change and want to earn their degree in less time than a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor Degrees
A bachelor’s degree tends to take four years to complete and opens the door to both entry- and mid-level positions in the field of gerontology. Gerontology-specific courses are required along with general education classes like algebra and sociology, for example.
Online Programs
For nonclinical positions, students may opt to study via online gerontology programs. Online colleges offer a flexible, accessible, and quality education that tends to be a lot cheaper relative to traditional campuses. Oftentimes, like in the case of the University of the People, admissions requirements are less stringent than their on-campus counterparts.
What Skills Will I Learn?
Gerontology offers education that is unique because it’s focused on a very specific population. Being related to the medical field means that there are various learned skills which can be applied to all aspects of life. These include:
1. Interpersonal Skills
Gerontologists work with a variety of people within the medical field, as well as social services and administrative professionals. Along with understanding the diverse needs of their peers, they also have to understand and listen to the elderly population with which they work.
2. Compassion
In all medical-related fields, compassion is key. This is a job that deals with people in vulnerable positions who are seeking help, and as such, those who offer a helping hand tend to be compassionate.
3. Communication Skills
From communicating with patients, peers, service providers, and family members, communication skills prove to be a key marker of success in this field.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
Those in this field are solving problems, day in and day out. The problems and solutions span financial, medical, and social issues.
The field of gerontology is interesting because it’s both broad and specific at the same time. In other words, you work with a specific population, but you have many different ways in which you can provide support. Let’s take a look at some popular career paths within the field:
1. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with their patients to regain or maintain functioning of their body to perform daily activities, like walking. The average salary is $91,175/year.
2. Mental Health Therapist
A mental health therapist uses psychotherapy to help people in psychological distress. For those in this field, they may help patients and family members deal with the aging process. The average salary is around $53,485/year.
3. Caregiver
Like the title implies, a caregiver offers care in areas like: daily grooming, basic food preparation, and providing transportation, for example. There’s no doubt as to how important caregivers are for the elderly. Yet, the position earns less than the aforementioned (but it also requires less education). The average salary is $23,906/year.
4. Social Worker
Gerontological social workers connect elders with community support resources and help to coordinate the services they need. The average salary is around $71,076/year.
The Bottom Line
Those who major in gerontology have an interest in helping the aging population. Whether it stems from a sociological, psychological, economic, or health perspective, this field of study is multidisciplinary and constantly evolving.
You can have the opportunity to work directly with people or take a path that leads to shaping the policy that supports elderly people. Regardless of what direction you choose to take, you will be offering much needed help to a vulnerable population. Because of this, you can bet on growth in a highly rewarding career.
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