threewomen

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.

whatisgeron

Gerontology is the study of the processes of aging (literally, “logy” means “the study of”; “gero” is a Greek term referring to elders).  Gerontology is multidisciplinary; that is, it includes the perspectives of numerous disciplines concerned with the physical, mental and social aspects of life.  Understanding what is presently known about aging is vital for responding intelligently to an aging workforce, planning, marketing, and delivering services to people who are aging, and educating individuals upon whom aging will have an impact.

Why should you consider a graduate degree and a career that includes Gerontology?

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population. In 1900, the average life expectancy was 47 years, and only 4% of the population was aged 65 or older. Today the average life expectancy has increased to 78 years, and it is projected that by the year 2030, the elderly will comprise 19.7% of the population. By 2030, the US population age 65 and over is projected to increase from 35 million in 2000 to 71 million. This will have a major effect on all aspects of our physical and social world: the environment, the economy, political and family structures, social roles and lifestyles.

To help us prepare for these changes Wichita State began the Master of Arts in Gerontology in 1978.

The Gerontology program provides knowledge of aging and its impact on individuals, families and society.  This program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in business, government, industry, public and private agencies, health and human services, research and education, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Many career options involve working with healthy and independent older adults, while other positions involve working with older adults who have health problems and other age-related limitations.

Graduates of the Gerontology program at Wichita State University perform a number of tasks in a wide variety of settings.  They direct senior centers, senior volunteer and employment programs, adult day care programs, and home health agencies.  They work in activities, social services, marketing and as administrators in retirement communities and nursing homes.  They plan and manage services for elders who reside in the community through work for aging service agencies and social service agencies which provide or fund nutrition services, transportation services and case management.