Gerontology studies physical, mental, and social changes in aging, while geriatrics focuses on diseases and health problems. Biogerontology studies physical changes and biomedical gerontology aims to slow aging. Social gerontology studies the daily life of the elderly and improves their lives through education and research. Advances in gerontology have led to more careers in healthcare, education, and other fields.
Gerontology is the study of the physical, mental and social changes that occur as a person ages. Although they are often confused with each other, it is not the same as geriatrics, the branch of medicine that studies diseases and other health problems of older people. There are several aspects of gerontology that are important parts of the study of aging and the aging process.
Biogerontology is the study of how a person physically changes with age. Studies have shown that aging is a natural process of decomposition of the body and that many health problems in old age are unavoidable. Biomedical gerontology, a field of biogerontology, studies ways to slow down the aging process, lengthening lifespan.
Scientists working in biogerontology are trying to understand how and why the body ages. Changes in mind and body as individuals age, leading to dementia, osteoporosis, organ failure and slower healing times, may be the result of cellular changes, but scientists aren’t yet sure when or why that happen. Research in this area may lead to advances in how age-related problems are treated or prevented.
Another field of gerontology is social gerontology, the study of the daily life of the elderly. This field is responsible for looking after the needs of older people through education and research. Social gerontologists are nurses, social workers, psychologists, and social scientists who are concerned with advancing causes associated with gerontology.
One of the major successes in the field of social gerontology is in the improvements that have been made in the lives of older adults. Most communities have organizations that protect the rights of local elders. These organizations help seniors with legal rights and housing and financial issues, as well as providing meals and recreational activities. They can pair senior community members with volunteers to help with home repairs, grocery shopping, lawn care, and other daily tasks that seniors may find it difficult to do on their own.
Advances in gerontology have improved both the length and quality of life for many older adults. This has led to a huge increase in the number of careers in the field. For those who may be interested in a career in gerontology, many colleges offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. Classes offered in most programs include Women and Aging, Gerotechnology, Sociology of Aging, and Aging and Social Services. Gerontology careers include positions in healthcare, education, leisure and recreation, administration, and housing services, among others.
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