Gerontology is the study of aging as it pertains to older people; more specifically it is the study of all the changes aging brings about and its influence on the lives of the elderly; this field of study is interested in the science of aging and how it affects the functionality and social life of senior citizens (UGA.edu). The advancements of technology and medicine has helped to greatly expand the field of gerontology and has improved the work of gerontologists and the lives of the elderly.
Gerontologist at Work
As aforementioned, gerontology is the study of the lives and interactions of the elderly, as such a gerontologist is someone who studies and works intimately with senior citizens. Those with an interest in gerontology …show more content…
This career path normally involves studying and researching different occurrences and aspects that may have a hand in the process of aging; some researchers may study changes in skin texture and elasticity in the elderly or diseases associated with aging, like Alzheimer’s (CareersInPsychology.org). However, some gerontologists may interact with the elderly directly. They may provide services that help with daily activities; some gerontologists deal with the mental and emotional instabilities and disorders experienced by older adults (AlliedHealthWorld.com).
Just like in any scientific field, especially those concerning people, there exists an overlap with other disciplines, and gerontology is no exception. Gerontologists may participate in multidisciplinary interactions with other fields like sociology, social work, psychology, history, and politics (UGA.edu). Health care and gerontology often cross paths when concerning the medical care of the elderly and their special needs in regards to treatment, programs, advocacy, and policy making …show more content…
This field also interacts with psychology and the neurosciences in the study and understanding of the emotional and mental needs, health, and disorders of older adults; this field also deals with nursing, bioengineering, occupational therapy, and the financial and business arenas (AlliedHealthWorld.com).
Gerontology and Salary
Because gerontology is a largely multidisciplinary field the salary range is quite wide; in fact the salary for careers concerning gerontology are relative to the discipline it interacts with (AlliedHealthWorld.com). Like with any career, salary is heavily effected by field of work, as well as the educational level achieved (CareersInPsychology.com). Due to the increase of the elderly population because of medical and technological advances prolonging life, fields relating to gerontology, like social work, will probably see an increase in salary in the coming decade (AlliedHealthWorld.com).
The field of gerontology is generally included in the field of social work, as such, the national average annual salary of social workers in gerontology fields is $20,990, and medical and health service managers average $101,340