The population of the United States and the world is aging. The number and proportion of elderly in society is steadily increasing, this increase is referred to as population aging.
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Improvements in the standards of living, elimination of many deadly diseases, and better medical care have caused this phenomenon. Americans are leading longer and healthier lives than ever before. |
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Currently there are almost 35 million Americans aged 65 and older. They account for nearly 13% of all Americans, compared to only 4% in 1900. In 2002 people who reached their 65th birthday could expect to live another 18.1 years. |
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The Baby Boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964), will lead to an even larger population of elderly. It is expected taht by the year 2030 the older population will more than double to 71.5 million. The 85+ population is projected to increase from 4.6 million in 2002 to 9.6 million in 2030. |
Tres Mujeres Caminando
(Three Women Walking)
Artist - Francisco Zuniga
Three Women Walking represents three stages of femininity: the young, the matronly, and the elderly. In their simple robes and strident poses, they assume a heroic, archetypal character. Zuniga's women may be seen as a celebration of both femininity and the feminine form.
The "Mature Market"
The aged are generally characterized by tremendous diversity even though they often share distinctive health, social and economic concerns and needs. This and the rapid growth of our aging population are creating a growing market for specialized goods and services tailored to the needs of older Americans.
This growing market encompasses products and services for "well-wlders" as well as for those whose independence is being limited by serious illness and/or disability. The people who serve this new market are divers they can range from small entrepreneurs to national corporations and programs at the federal, state, and local levels.
Products and Services
Following is a list of goods and services that are frequently sought by and/or benefit older persons and their families. Gerontology graduates currently work in nearly all of these areas.
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Leisure, Recreation and Travel Services |
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Retirement Planning and Job Placement |
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Counseling and Social Casework |
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Educational Programs |
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Volunteer and Intergenerational Activities |
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Retirement Houseing for Independent Seniors |
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Health Promotion and Fitness Programs |
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Adult Day Care |
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Specdialized Housing for Senior with Functional Impairments |
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Long-term Health Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities |
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Information and Referral Services |
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On-site and Home-Delivered Meal Programs |
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Home and Community-based Health Services |
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Case Management |
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Adult Protective Services |
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Senior Advocacy |
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Area Agency on Aging-based Planning |
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Architectural, Environmental and Product Design |
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Transportation |
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Senior Center Activities and Services |
Settings
These goods and services can be provided in a variety of work settings including voluntary and provided in a variety of work settings including voluntary and professional associations; community agencies; and facilities such as retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals or health clinics; corporations, and governmental agencies at the federal, state or local level.
Roles
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) had identified seven roles that trained gerontologists may play in the provision of goods and services designed for older persons. They include:
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Direct Service Provision: Working "one-on-one" with the elderly and their families to determine their individual needs and provide assistance. |
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Program Planning and Evaluation: Establishing the interests and needs of older persons at the community level, designing programs to meet these needs, and determining the effectiveness of such programs. |
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Management and Administration: Overseeing the daily operation of facilities, agencies or programs addressing the needs of the aged and their families. |
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Marketing and Product Development: Identifying the unmet product and service needs of older persons and informing the aged of new products or services in an effective and acceptable manner. |
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Advocacy: Articulating the need of older people and urging the adoption of public or private programs designed to meet these needs. |
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Education and Training: Developing and delivering educational programming responsive to the needs of older persons or those who serve them. |
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Research: Carrying out research on the nature of the aging process and on the effectiveness of intervention programs and policies. |
Demand
Thorough understanding of the aging process and the myriad of providers, programs, and policies directed to it directly affects the quality of goods and services for the aged. The demand for trained gerontologists is expected to increase steadily in the coming decades. At the same time the elderly will account for an increasing proportion of health and social services caseloads, the demand for nurses, social workers, and other professionals with gerontological experience may also be expected to grow. Many professionals were trained at a time when gerontology was not emphasized, those who are able to secure such training through additional coursework should be at a competitive employment advantage.
Compensation, Employment and the Intangibles
AGHE's brochure Careers in Aging cites the following benefits of selecting a career in the field of gerontology.
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"Withing six months of graduation, approximately 70% of gerontology/geriatrics graduates are employed full-time in a professional position related to aging. This percentage is similar to that achieved by graduates in other human service fields but is higher for graduates from liberal arts programs in general." p. 13 |
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"Beginning annual salaries range from $18,000 to $31,000 for persons with a bachelor's degree and little experience. Salaries can rise in metropolitan areas to $30,000 to $45,000 annually." p. 14 |
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"Professionals with a master's degree but limited experience can expect higher entry pay --- usually in the $25,000 to $35,000 range. Experienced professionals earn from $35,000 to $75,000 per year, while annual salaries for administrators range from $45,000 in rural areas to $80,000 or higher in large areas." p.14 |
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"A survey of Midwestern gerontology program graduates found that 85% were satisfied with their current jobs, were enthusiastic about their career choice, and plan to continue working int he field of aging." p. 15 |
Websites for Various Careers in Gerontology
Jobs in Gerontology
Senior Services
SHICK - Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas
American Association of Retired Persons
The Gerontological Society of America
Center for Physical Activity and Aging at Wichta State University
