Question

The field of gerontological is a growing one. Find two different gerontoligical careers and describe the requirements for the job. Discuss the pros and cons of gerontology and whether or not you might be interested in pursuing this as a career.

Answer 1

The fields of gerontology and geriatrics deal with providing physical and mental care to elderly people and include the biological and psychological study of aging. Professionals working in this field also examine the changing social dynamics and sociological changes associated with aging. Gerontology is a vast field that includes the study of various biological, physical and mental changes in older people. Subjects such as biology, sociology, psychology and therapy are the main areas of gerontology.

Geriatrics is mainly concerned with healthcare and providing medical assistance to the aging population, and as such is also considered a sub-field of gerontology. Due to the rapidly increasing number of elderly people in the United States, and around the world, numerous opportunities are arising for professionals in geriatrics and gerontology. In addition to people who aspire to become social welfare workers, the fields of gerontology and geriatrics also attract nurses, therapists and other aspiring healthcare workers.

What programs are offered?

If you wish to pursue a career in the field of aging, there are several majors and disciplines that can lead you to the required path. Have a look at the following majors:

Majors that Can Lead to a Career in Aging

Healthcare

Nursing

Medicine

Health Administration

Food and Nutrition

Pharmacy

Social Services

Public Healthcare

Psychology

Physiology

Counseling

While there are no special educational prerequisites for these programs except a high school degree or GED, people aspiring to make careers in geriatrics and gerontology need to have a compassionate nature and should be able to put other people’s needs before their own. They need to genuinely care for the older population, and understand their patients’ specific needs. Additionally, good communication skills, basic medical knowledge, physical therapy skills and first aid training go a long way in this field.

As gerontology is a social science, most jobs around the world in this field are academic or research based. You can find work at a number of universities that teach the subject while there are also many research based jobs available to people with degrees in gerontology.

Working in geriatrics gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. Elderly patients and nursing home residents truly need the services you provide. You may need to take your patients’ vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure. You might help them clean, bathe and dress, or serve them meals and help them eat. By assisting them with personal care and helping them retain their independence, you are providing a vital service to your patients. On the front line of caregiving, you also are uniquely suited to be an advocate for them. You can act as liaison between other healthcare workers and your patient and make certain that your patient’s needs are being effectively communicated and satisfied.

Many of the people with whom you’ll work look forward to their interactions with caregivers as a highlight of their day. Your warm and empathetic presence in their lives can mean the difference between a dismal day and a bright one. Seniors are also more willing to show their gratitude. They appreciate what you’re doing for them and they don’t mind telling you so.

If you ever get a job in it, it would be a very late start. Also you have to be ready to spend your entire lifetime in understanding how ageing works and probably even succeed in living eternally when one does not want to. This job needs a lot of patience. This job has a lot of responsibility and stress levels. Thus only people who will be able to bear the stress level should opt for this career.