Questions About What Gerontologists Do
Does a Gerontologist’s Age Matter?
Gerontology is an age-friendly disciple that welcomes aspiring professionals of all ages. Gerontology coursework provides students of all ages with facts about aging, cultural consciousness, and age-related humility. Conversely, individuals without gerontological training of any age are likely to be misinformed about aging, subscribe to stereotypes, and be unintentionally rude or even stigmatize older people.
Do Young Adults Enjoy Working with Older People?
Many young adults enjoy working with older people, especially those raised in traditions that respect and appreciate their community’s elders. Young adults from the African American/Black, Asian American, Spanish-speaking (Chicano, Latinx, Hispanic, etc.), American Indian/Native American, Alaska Native, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and immigrant communities are often a good fit for gerontology.
What do Gerontologists do?
Gerontology Practitioners are “helping professionals” like human services and nonclinical social workers. They:
- Work directly with older people advocating, screening, counseling, and making service referrals,
- Work behind the scenes planning, implementing, coordinating, and overseeing programs,
- Plan and conduct lifelong learning, health promotion, and intergenerational programs,
- Perform community needs assessments, write grants, and create plans to meet identified needs.
Gerontology Researchers study how social conditions impact older people and the older population, including the:
- Social determinants of health across the lifespan,
- Societal attitudes about aging and older people,
- Social policies, benefit programs, and entitlement programs,
- Ageism, ranging from rudeness to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Gerontology Policymakers fight for policies and programs that:
- Improve the overall well-being and quality of life of all people as they age,
- Decrease the disparity in aging experiences and outcomes based on socioeconomic status,
- Increase life expectancy and aging outcomes across all cohorts and groups in the population,
- Support equity, inclusion, social justice, and restorative justice for older marginalized groups.
Where do Gerontologists Work?
Gerontologists work in the private sector for:
- Large and small businesses catering to older clients to capitalize on population aging,
- Independent living, assisted living, senior housing, and continuum of care communities,
- Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities providing social services and support,
- Group homes for older people they own and operate (entrepreneurial start-ups).
Gerontologists work in the public sector within the Aging Network for:
- Government agencies (e.g., Area Agency on Aging, Department of Aging, etc.),
- Not-for-profit organizations (e.g., Alzheimer’s Association, LeadingAge, AARP, etc.),
- For-profit businesses contracted by the state to provide services (e.g., Meals on Wheels),
- Senior centers and community centers that offer programs for older people,
- Entrepreneurial start-ups consulting or contracting with the state.
What Types of Positions do Gerontologists Obtain?
Gerontologists work in entry-level to executive positions depending on their aptitudes, strengths, experience, and education, including:
- Case management positions as assistants and managers,
- Social services and human services positions as assistants and directors,
- Service coordination positions as assistants and coordinators,
- Activity and recreation positions as assistants, coordinators, leaders, and directors,
- Information and referral positions as assistants and specialists,
- Administrative positions as staff, assistants, and executives,
- Program administrators as assistants, coordinators, facilitators, instructors, and directors.