The average lifespan is increasing because of better nutrition, health care and improved quality of life. In addition, the U.S. population of elderly adults will be a dominant factor as the baby boomer generation enters their retirement years. By 2029, about 20 percent of the population will be older than 65 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Considering that the graying population will be the norm in the coming years, a gerontology degree will prepare you for an interesting and stable career path.
1. Geriatric Care Managers
Geriatric care managers assess quality of life issues for the elderly cohort. They are knowledgeable when it comes to ensuring that the elderly receive the services that they need regardless of their income levels. In this career, you should have knowledge of legislation that directly affects the older population. You will be the point man for linking your elderly clients to information, activities and organizations that they need to access to enhance their quality of life. More specifically, you should understand the inner workings of health care services especially those that are most relevant to the elderly. Geriatric care managers may work for government and private agencies, advocacy organizations or in private practice.
2. Administrator for Assisted Living or Retirement Homes
At some point, many retired and elderly persons move to retirement homes if they can still function independently or assisted living communities if they are dependent on others for daily living activities. As administrator of these communities, you will oversee day-to-day activities while directing marketing, finances and community relations assisted by your team. You will need to be knowledgeable about the financial, social and legal aspects of running the community as a for-profit or nonprofit organization. You may be required to maintain other industry-specific credentials as well.
3. Geriatric Activity Coordinators
The socialization and entertainment needs of the older cohort differ from the rest of the population. Physical activities may be limited, so it becomes important to focus on the most beneficial forms of movement. Physical and occupational therapists may be assigned to direct contact with elderly clients, but it is your job to look at the big picture. Geriatric activity coordinators may work for retirement communities, elderly advocacy groups, hospitals and health offices and in government positions.
4. Health Care Professionals
The health care field is diverse, but the sectors that specialize in geriatric care are focused on the very specific needs of the older population. A gerontology degree may be matched with a nursing or medical assistant degree for a career that focuses on direct patient care for the older population. This will open up opportunities as director of nursing in nursing homes, retirement communities and hospitals. If you are a mental and behavioral health provider with medical credentials and a gerontology degree, you will find a robust demand for your services even decades from now.
5. Gerontology Research
Gerontology research covers both social and medical research, but you are expected to have additional credentials on top of your gerontology degree. With a bachelor’s, you may find entry-level positions for social science research on many issues that concern the elderly. These research positions abound in government and private organizations that exist to support programs that ensure quality of life for the aged as well as advocacy programs for elderly issues.
Medical gerontology research requires more advance credentials that may include nursing, medical or doctorate degrees. The focus of these research projects would be biological, behavioral and mental aspects of aging. With the proper credentials, you may find yourself working for hospitals, research laboratories, universities or pharmaceutical companies.
Gerontology is a field of study that is just now getting the attention it deserves. At the rate the population is aging, a gerontology degree is one that will help you establish a meaningful career focused on helping the elderly.
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