Gerontology is the study of the elderly, and of the aging process itself. It is to be distinguished from geriatrics, which is the study of the diseases of the elderly. Gerontology covers the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging.
Gerontology includes these and other endeavors:
- studying physical, mental, and social changes in people as they age.
- investigating the effects of our aging population on society.
- applying this knowledge to policies and programs.
As a result of the multidisciplinary focus of gerontology, professionals from several fields call themselves "gerontologists".
Gerontologists
Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with older adults. They provide their services to people in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and other similar facilities. There are several different types of gerontologists. Research gerontologists conduct research on the aging process and the living environments of older persons in an effort to understand and enrich the lives of elders. Applied gerontologists work directly with older persons, communicating with and analyzing individuals, families, and groups. Administrative gerontologists use their training and management skills to develop programs and coordinate services that are necessary for services to run smoothly. These professionals may have degrees or training in nursing, psychology, sociology, or other social services-related professions. Gerontologists are responsible for educating older people by giving informative presentations, publishing books and articles that pertain to the aging population, and producing relevant films and television programs.
Biogerontology
Biogerontology is the subfield of gerontology dedicated to studying the specifically biological processes resulting in senescence. Biogerontologists are scientists who study these process and also include scientists who work to control, prevent and reverse aging in both humans and animals. The latter scientists are called biomedical gerontologists. Biogerontologists who are not biomedical gerontologists only take an academic interest in the biological mechanisms of aging, without seeking a "cure".
Biogerontologists
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