Gerontology Page2

Why Study Gerontology?

Career Opportunities! Nationally, about 70% of Gerontology grads are employed fulltime in a professional position within six months of graduation.
Market Growth! By the year 2020, almost 16% of the U.S. population will be over age 65 (over 52 million) and the Baby Boom (born between 1946-1964) will be the largest generation of seniors in history (they now number 4 of 10 Americans).
Service to Humanity! The opportunities and challenges of working and serving in an aging society are abundant. Dispelling misconceptions about aging and elders and increasing understanding is key.

Gerontology careers are found in a system of organizations, corporations, facilities, government agencies, and individuals that provide older American with services, educate professionals and the public, and carry out research on various aspects of aging. Career opportunitites exist in settings such as:

Organizations (AARP, Alzheimer's Association)
Institutions (hospitals, nursing homes, churches, colleges, senior living facilities, mental health facilities)
Corporations (investment firms, health care corporations, insurance companies, retailers)
Government Agencies (AoA, NIA, AAA, Veterans Affairs, HCFA).

Augie grads with a major and complementary Gerontology Minor may find themselves in one of many career areas:

Direct Service Provision
Advocacy
Program Planning & Evaluation
Education & Training
Management & Administration
Research
Marketing & Product Development.

Specific professional roles may include social workers, pastors, health care specialists (nurses, doctors, therapists), nursing home administrators, speech pathologists, case managers, trainers, educators, lawyers, researchers, program planners, marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, and others yet to be created.

Taken in part from: Careers in Aging: Opportunities and Options. 1995. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. 1001 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 410. Washington, DC 20035.