| Population Aging Population aging has become a central fact and force of modern
life. Population aging refers to steady increases in the number and proportion of older
people in society. |
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- Fueled by improvements in our standard of living, the
elimination of many deadly diseases, and better medical care, Americans are leading longer
and healthier lives than ever before.
- At present, there are almost 35 million Americans aged 65 and
older. Together, they account for nearly 13% of all Americans, compared to only 4% in
1900. By 1996, the average life expectancy in the United States had climbed to 76 years,
from less than 50 years at the turn of the century.
- The factors noted above are expected to lead to even larger numbers
of older Americans in the future. Additionally, exceptionally large numbers of individuals
born in the years following World War II will reach old age during the first half of the
21st Century. It has been projected that the presence of these aging "baby
boomers" will push the proportion of aged Americans up to nearly 22% within the next
thirty years.
The
Growing "Mature Market"
While the aged are characterized by tremendous diversity, they
often share distinctive health, social, and economic concerns and needs. This fact and the
rapid aging of our population are creating a growing market for specialized goods and
services tailored to the needs of older Americans. |
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This growing market is extremely broad in nature,
encompassing products and services for "well-elders" as well as those for elders
whose independence is being compromised by serious illness and/or disability. Those who
serve this new market are equally diverse, ranging from small entrepreneurs to national
corporations in the for-profit sector, to not-for-profit organizations, and to public
agencies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels. |
Products and Services
The following goods and services are frequently sought by and/or
benefit older persons and their families. Center for Studies in Aging alumni
currently work in nearly all of these areas.
- Leisure, Recreation and Travel Services
- Retirement Planning and Job Placement
- Counseling and Social Casework
- Educational Programs
- Volunteer and Intergenerational Activities
- Retirement Housing for Independent Seniors
- Health Promotion and Fitness Programs
- Adult Day Care
- Specialized Housing for Senior with Functional Impairments
- Long-term Health Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Information and Referral Services
- On-site and Home-Delivered Meal Programs
- Home and Community-based Health Services
- Case Management
- Adult Protective Services
- Senior Advocacy
- Area Agency on Aging-based Planning
- Architectural, Environmental and Product Design
- Transportation
- Senior Center Activities and Services
| Settings These goods and services can be provided in a variety of work
settings including voluntary and professional associations; community agencies; facilities
such as retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals or health clinics; corporations,
and governmental agencies at the federal, state or local level.
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Roles
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has
identified seven roles that trained gerontologists may play in the provision of goods and
services designed for older persons. They include:
Direct Service Provision: Working
"one-on-one" with the elderly and their families to determine their individual
needs and provide assistance.
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.
Management and Administration:
Overseeing the daily operation of facilities, agencies or programs addressing the needs of
the aged and their families.
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.
Advocacy: Articulating the need of
older people and urging the adoption of public or private programs designed to meet these
needs.
Education and Training:
Developing and delivering educational programming responsive to the needs of older persons
or those who serve them.
Research: Carrying out research on
the nature of the aging process and on the effectiveness of intervention programs and
policies.
Adapted from: Careers in Aging,
AGHE, 1996, p. 8
| Demand Because the quality and effectiveness of goods and services for
the aged depends on a thorough understanding of the aging process and the myriad of
providers, programs, and policies directed to the elderly, the demand for trained
gerontologists is expected to increase steadily in the coming decades. At the same
time, as the elderly account for an increasing proportion of health and social service
caseloads, the demand for nurses, social workers, and other professionals with
gerontological expertise may also be expected to grow. Since most of those currently
in practice trained at a time or place that afforded little exposure to gerontology, those
who are able to secure such training through additional coursework should be at a
competitive employment advantage.
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Compensation,
Employment,
and the Intangibles
AGHE's brochure Careers in Aging cites the following
benefits of selecting a career in the field of gerontology:
- "Within 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 than for graduates from liberal arts programs in
general." p. 13.
- "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.
- 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
- "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 in the field of aging." p. 15
For Further Information
on Career Paths in Gerontology
- Click HERE to visit the
Featured Alumni section of our website
- Click HERE to contact us about
speaking with one our our alumni working in your area of interest.
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