What is Gerontology?

As a person grows older, his life may change dramatically. Physical changes are obvious and easy to recognize, but a person may change mentally and emotionally as well. Aging even affects social and financial factors. A person interested in these changes may want to study gerontology.

Identification

Gerontology is the study of aging. It is identified as a multi-disciplinary subject that incorporates a range of topics related to the process of aging. It includes both the physical and mental changes that take place as a person grows older. It also incorporates social changes that take place in the lives of the elderly.

Significance

Many people believe that gerontology is important for both understanding those that are aging now and planning for the future aging of younger adults. It is important for informing those who care for older people, both professionally and personally, about what to expect of the aging process. For example, it is considered critical for understanding and effectively helping aging workers. It is also important for developing plans and marketing campaigns aimed at older people as well as offering services that may be important to them.

Theories/Speculation

According to Wichita State University, the elderly represent the fastest-growing part of the population. Life expectancy rates have increased, and Wichita State University estimates that nearly 20 percent of our population will be elderly by the year 2030. Given this estimate, it is easy to see why gerontology could be important in seeing to the physical, mental and social needs of what will eventually amount to a large portion of society.

Function

When a person attends college to study gerontology, he may learn a wide variety of things that are important to individuals, families and the world at large. Gerontology programs typically provide education on the various ways gerontology impacts the physical, emotional, mental and social lives of the aging. Bachelor's and master's degree programs in this field can help people prepare for careers in social services, business, government and health care fields. This field of study may even prepare individuals for careers in research and education. Some people who pursue this field of study will go on to work with healthy, older individuals who are able to maintain independent lifestyles. However, others will go on to work with those who have health problems and other limitations and may require special care and assistance.

Effects

No study of gerontology would be complete without including the financial effects of aging in the program. As such, studies in this field often include such things as retirement planning, pensions and both life and health insurance. They may also include discussions of how knowledge of these issues can be used to shape policies and programs designed for the elderly. This can range from big planning, such as the creation of government policies that meet the needs of the elderly, to planning on a smaller, but still important level, such as in nursing homes and assisted-living situations. Gerontology may even consider the financial impact experienced by those caring for aging parents or loved ones.

Time Frame

A person may pursue a bachelor's degree in gerontology. Generally, completing this degree program would take about 4 years. Additionally, many schools offer master's degree programs in gerontology, which typically take about 2 to 3 years to complete. Some people may even decide to earn Ph.D.s in the field, completing this portion of their education in about 3 or 4 years.

Resources

• Wichita State University on gerontology
• The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education on gerontology