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Gerontology
j0309148.jpgGerontology is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging. It is distinguished from geriatrics, which is the branch of medicine that studies the disease of the elderly.

Gerontology includes these and other endeavors:

  • Studying physical, mental, and social changes in people as they age;
  • Investigating the aging process itself (biogerontology);
  • Investigating the effects of our aging population on society, including the fiscal effects of pensions, entitlements, life and health insurance, and retirement planning;
  • Applying this knowledge to policies and programs, including a macroscopic (i.e. government planning) and microscopic (i.e. running a nursing home) perspective.

The multidisciplinary focus of gerontology means that there are a number of sub-fields, as well as associated fields such as psychology and sociology that also cross over into gerontology. However, that there is an overlap should not be taken as to construe that they are the same. For example, a psychologist may specialize in early adults (and not be a gerontologist) or specialize in older adults (and be a gerontologist).

The field of gerontology was developed relatively late, and as such often lacks the structural and institutional support needed (for example, relatively few universities offer a Ph.D. in gerontology). Yet the huge increase in the elderly population in the post-industrial Western nations has led to this becoming one of the most rapidly growing fields. As such, gerontology is currently a well-paying field for many in the West. ~

 

ARTICLES:  Gerontology


 




Teaching Medical Gerontology in Europe PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Renato (Tito) Riva,
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The very old comprisethe fastest growing population group in all European countries and decliningbirth rates are causing an even greater increase in the proportion of oldpeople in the population.

What the Future Hold for Gerontology PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Virginia Burggraf and Richard Barry,
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What does a growing elderly population mean for your nursing careers? Take a peek at the opportunities ahead.

The Importance of Basic Research in Gerontology PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Robert N. Butler,
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We can all feel encouraged when new investigators, including young scientists, contribute to basic research in gerontology and longevity science since we must increasingly contend with problems affecting the growing number of older persons. Gerontology and longevity science are surely magnet fields of the 21st century.

Practicing Universal Gerontology PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Knapp, Mary,
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Learn how your hospital can improve care for all older patients.

Sleep Deprivation and the Elderly PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Mary Desaulniers,
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My grandmother used to be up at the crack of dawn-not because she had to, but because her body clock had shifted to a different time frame with increasing age. My step-mother used to complain that after Dad retired, he woke up every morning before six.