Why consider a graduate degree and career related to Gerontology?

In 2000, there were 35 million adults aged 65 and older; this number is expected to increase to 71 million in 2030 (19%), almost twice the number of older adults than in the year 2000. The oldest-old, adults 85 years old and older, are the fastest growing segment among aging adults. There also will be a significant increase in the number of aging adults from diversity groups. By the year 2030 25% of the older adult population will be members of diverse groups, which is up from 16% in the year 2000. This dramatic increase in an increasingly diverse population of older adults creates a challenge to society and greater demand for professionals with expertise in Gerontology.

Careers in Aging

Career options in the area of Gerontology continue to expand, providing opportunities to work with the Diaspora of aging adults. Graduates with expertise in Gerontology may work as administrators or staff members of senior centers, intergenerational or adult day care programs, senior volunteer and employment programs, health care and home health agencies, long-term health facilities, nutrition programs, leisure and travel agencies, retirement communities, as well as academic, research, and other educational institutions. Professionals with expertise in Gerontology may find jobs with community and religious organizations, federal and state agencies, and professional organizations, such as the following:

• Gerontological Association of America
• Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
• American Society on Aging
• National Association for Professional Gerontologists
• National Council on Aging
• The National Indian Council on Aging
• Oklahoma Department of Human Services - Aging Services Division
• International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics

To find additional information about careers in aging, please visit http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/