Careers in Aging Neil Charness Florida State University 2014 Material from

What is Gerontology? Geriatrics? Aging is a multidisciplinary field. This means that the study of aging combines or integrates information from several separate areas of study. Biology, sociology, and psychology are the "core" or basic areas, along with content from many other areas of study such as public policy, humanities, and economics. Aging is a multidisciplinary field. This means that the study of aging combines or integrates information from several separate areas of study. Biology, sociology, and psychology are the "core" or basic areas, along with content from many other areas of study such as public policy, humanities, and economics. Gerontology is the study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. It includes: Gerontology is the study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. It includes: –the study of physical, mental, and social changes in older people as they age –the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our aging population –the application of this knowledge to policies and programs. As a result of the multidisciplinary focus of gerontology, professionals from diverse fields call themselves "gerontologists"

Gerontology/Geriatrics Geriatrics focuses on: Geriatrics focuses on: –the study of health and disease in later life –the comprehensive health care of older persons and the well- being of their informal caregiver

Is Aging the Field for You? Are interested in improving the lives of older people? Are interested in improving the lives of older people? Are you interested in knowing more about your own aging and the changes to expect in your family members as they grow older? Are you interested in knowing more about your own aging and the changes to expect in your family members as they grow older? –Talk with professionals and students in the field. Discuss your future plans with your academic advisor. Our success in responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by an aging population will depend on the dedication of those who choose to work in the field of aging. Our success in responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by an aging population will depend on the dedication of those who choose to work in the field of aging. We hope that you will join us ! We hope that you will join us !

Where Do Professionals in Aging Work? Community, human service, and religious organizations Community, human service, and religious organizations Health care and long-term care institutions Health care and long-term care institutions Federal, state, and local government agencies, including the aging network (service delivery to older persons established by a federal law entitled the Older Americans Act) Federal, state, and local government agencies, including the aging network (service delivery to older persons established by a federal law entitled the Older Americans Act)Older Americans ActOlder Americans Act Retirement communities Retirement communities Academic, educational, and research settings Academic, educational, and research settings Professional organizations Professional organizations Business and industry Business and industry

Professionals Working Directly Developing programs such as health promotion, senior theater groups, or intergenerational activities for older persons in senior centers, community agencies, or retirement communities Developing programs such as health promotion, senior theater groups, or intergenerational activities for older persons in senior centers, community agencies, or retirement communities Providing direct care to frail, ill, or impaired older persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or through adult day care or home care programs Providing direct care to frail, ill, or impaired older persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or through adult day care or home care programs Counseling older persons and their families about issues of caregiving, employment, death and dying, or mental health Counseling older persons and their families about issues of caregiving, employment, death and dying, or mental health Advising older clients about estate planning and investments, financing long-term care, or housing options. Advising older clients about estate planning and investments, financing long-term care, or housing options.

Professionals Working Indirectly Conducting research on the aging processes and diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or osteoporosis Conducting research on the aging processes and diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or osteoporosis Analyzing issues related to older persons such as retirement opportunities, income maintenance, the health care system, and housing alternatives Analyzing issues related to older persons such as retirement opportunities, income maintenance, the health care system, and housing alternatives Planning, administering, and evaluating community- based services and service delivery systems Planning, administering, and evaluating community- based services and service delivery systems Teaching courses on aging to college and university students, health care professionals, and older adults Teaching courses on aging to college and university students, health care professionals, and older adults Advocating with or on behalf of older persons before legislative bodies or in institutional settings Advocating with or on behalf of older persons before legislative bodies or in institutional settings Designing products to meet the special interests and needs of older persons Designing products to meet the special interests and needs of older persons Advising business, industry, and labor regarding older workers and consumers. Advising business, industry, and labor regarding older workers and consumers.

How Do You Become a Professional in Aging? Some students choose aging as a specialty area within one of the traditional disciplines or professions Some students choose aging as a specialty area within one of the traditional disciplines or professions –anthropology, architecture, biology, political science, psychology, sociology, medicine, nursing, social work, health-related professions). Others opt for a degree or major in gerontology. Others opt for a degree or major in gerontology. –For those seeking formal training in aging, there are over 500 colleges and universities that offer more than 1,000 credit programs in aging. –Over 1,000 additional schools offer course work and adult or continuing education programs that provide information on aging to older persons and others in the community for personal use and/or upgrading specific skills. Programs are available to meet different individual interests and objectives.

Examples of FSU Psychological Research on Aging CREATE – The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement: CREATE – The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement: FDOT – Human factors work on sign and signal perception for older drivers and pedestrians: ml FDOT – Human factors work on sign and signal perception for older drivers and pedestrians: ml ml ml AFRAME– Remote monitoring of vital signs in older person’s homes (telehealth) =%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher %3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_ _1%26url%3D AFRAME– Remote monitoring of vital signs in older person’s homes (telehealth) =%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher %3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_ _1%26url%3D =%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher %3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_ _1%26url%3D =%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher %3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_ _1%26url%3D

Bachelor's Level Many colleges and universities offer a major or bachelor's degree in gerontology or a certificate, minor, or specialization in aging to complement a traditional academic major. Many colleges and universities offer a major or bachelor's degree in gerontology or a certificate, minor, or specialization in aging to complement a traditional academic major. A field experience usually is required. A field experience usually is required. Graduates are qualified for entry-level or mid- level jobs as practitioners and planners in local and state agencies offering programs and services to older persons. Graduates are qualified for entry-level or mid- level jobs as practitioners and planners in local and state agencies offering programs and services to older persons.

Master's Level Nearly 100 universities offer a master's degree in gerontology. Nearly 100 universities offer a master's degree in gerontology. Master's-level training prepares professionals to become skilled administrators, planners, and practitioners. Master's-level training prepares professionals to become skilled administrators, planners, and practitioners. Many universities offer graduate specializations which permit students to major in another academic or clinical field with a specialization in aging. Many universities offer graduate specializations which permit students to major in another academic or clinical field with a specialization in aging.

Doctoral Level Some universities offer doctoral level specializations in aging within other academic and clinical departments. Some universities offer doctoral level specializations in aging within other academic and clinical departments. A few universities offer a Ph.D. in gerontology. A few universities offer a Ph.D. in gerontology. Doctoral programs prepare students for careers in research, teaching, administration, or clinical practice. Doctoral programs prepare students for careers in research, teaching, administration, or clinical practice.

Postdoctoral Level Postdoctoral training programs or fellowships are available in gerontology and geriatrics. Postdoctoral training programs or fellowships are available in gerontology and geriatrics. Many of these are funded through federal agencies and can be completed in academic or clinical settings. Many of these are funded through federal agencies and can be completed in academic or clinical settings.

Continuing Education Continuing education is a logical choice. Continuing education is a logical choice. Non-credit programs may be designed for those preparing for new careers, for people already working who want additional knowledge about aging, or for individuals seeking to enrich their lives. Non-credit programs may be designed for those preparing for new careers, for people already working who want additional knowledge about aging, or for individuals seeking to enrich their lives. Continuing education is offered by colleges and universities, professional and aging associations, hospitals, training firms, and businesses. Continuing education is offered by colleges and universities, professional and aging associations, hospitals, training firms, and businesses. In some professions, such as social work, counseling, and nursing, continuing education is required to maintain a license or certificate. In some professions, such as social work, counseling, and nursing, continuing education is required to maintain a license or certificate.

How Do You Select a Program in Aging? For a list of the schools that offer programs in aging, consult the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education - AGHE For a list of the schools that offer programs in aging, consult the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education - AGHE For a modest charge, have a computerized search done for you by AGHE using the National Database on Gerontology in Higher Education. Both resources describe programs and list whom to contact for more information. Forms can be requested from the AGHE web site: asp?id=40634&PID= For a modest charge, have a computerized search done for you by AGHE using the National Database on Gerontology in Higher Education. Both resources describe programs and list whom to contact for more information. Forms can be requested from the AGHE web site: asp?id=40634&PID= asp?id=40634&PID= asp?id=40634&PID=677909

Psychology In Psychology, check out the American Psychological Association’s Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) web site: In Psychology, check out the American Psychological Association’s Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) web site: – –Grad studies programs are given at studies/index.aspx studies/index.aspx studies/index.aspx –Also see careers in geropsychology There is no accreditation of educational programs in the field of aging. Many programs, however, follow the "standards and guidelines" developed by AGHE There is no accreditation of educational programs in the field of aging. Many programs, however, follow the "standards and guidelines" developed by AGHE  AGHE is beginning to structure an accreditation procedure with GSA. After you have selected several schools that interest you, contact the faculty members who direct these educational programs in aging. After you have selected several schools that interest you, contact the faculty members who direct these educational programs in aging. –Ask them what their graduates are doing. –See if they have found jobs in settings that interest you

How Can You Find More About the Field of Aging? Take an introductory gerontology or an Adult Development and Aging course. Take an introductory gerontology or an Adult Development and Aging course. Talk to people who are working in the field of aging Talk to people who are working in the field of aging –Ask them why they chose this field, what they do, and how they like their work. Volunteer in a senior center, a nursing home, or on a faculty member's research project in aging. Volunteer in a senior center, a nursing home, or on a faculty member's research project in aging. Read more about careers in aging through publications in the field of aging such as The Gerontologist, published by the Gerontological Society of America; Generations, published by the American Society on Aging; and Networks, published by the National Council on the Aging (see addresses below). Read more about careers in aging through publications in the field of aging such as The Gerontologist, published by the Gerontological Society of America; Generations, published by the American Society on Aging; and Networks, published by the National Council on the Aging (see addresses below). Find out what events you can attend on campus. Campus gerontology programs often sponsor lectures, workshops, other educational programs, and opportunities to volunteer with older persons. Find out what events you can attend on campus. Campus gerontology programs often sponsor lectures, workshops, other educational programs, and opportunities to volunteer with older persons.

Find More Attend meetings of regional, state, or national professional organizations where professionals and students in the field present papers and discuss important issues. Attend meetings of regional, state, or national professional organizations where professionals and students in the field present papers and discuss important issues. Student volunteers are often recruited to help at these meetings in return for free registration. The journals and newsletters of these organizations include calendars of such events. Student volunteers are often recruited to help at these meetings in return for free registration. The journals and newsletters of these organizations include calendars of such events. Many professional organizations -- such as the American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, American Public Health Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Anthropological Association, American Psychological Association, and American Sociological Association -- have sections on aging that publish newsletters and/or sponsor sessions at their annual meetings. Many professional organizations -- such as the American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, American Public Health Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Anthropological Association, American Psychological Association, and American Sociological Association -- have sections on aging that publish newsletters and/or sponsor sessions at their annual meetings.

Find More Get information from government agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the National Institute on Aging (see addresses in the next slide) which publish a variety of demographic profiles and other information about the older population and its subgroups. Get information from government agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the National Institute on Aging (see addresses in the next slide) which publish a variety of demographic profiles and other information about the older population and its subgroups. Contact your state unit or area agency on aging about what meetings or publications might be available concerning local programs and activities for older adults. Contact your state unit or area agency on aging about what meetings or publications might be available concerning local programs and activities for older adults.

Need some Practical Experience as a DIS? DIS in labs working on projects related to technology use DIS in labs working on projects related to technology use –age and technology use –age and human factors –age and telehealth Contact Jaci Bartley: Contact Jaci Bartley: Contact Heather Lupton or Rebekah Landbeck: Contact Heather Lupton or Rebekah Landbeck: Contact Joshua Russell: Contact Joshua Russell:

Ready to Look for a Job?

Resources American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) –601 E St., NW Washington, DC / American Society on Aging (ASA) American Society on Aging (ASA) –833 Market St., Suite 511 San Francisco, CA / Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) – th St., NW, Suite 240 Washington, DC / Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Gerontological Society of America (GSA) – St., NW, Suite 250 Washington, DC / National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NAAAA) National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NAAAA) – th St., NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC / National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) –1225 I St., NW, Suite 725 Washington, DC / National Council on the Aging (NCOA) National Council on the Aging (NCOA) –409 Third St., SW, Second Floor Washington, DC / National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute on Aging (NIA) –Public Information Office 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD / US Administration on Aging (AoA) US Administration on Aging (AoA) –330 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC / US Bureau of the Census US Bureau of the Census –Age and Sex Statistics Branch Population Division Washington, DC /

Certificate Program Resources at FSU Gerontology Certificate in the College of Social Work Gerontology Certificate in the College of Social Work – demics/certificate- programs/certificate- in-gerontology-aging- studies/ demics/certificate- programs/certificate- in-gerontology-aging- studies/ demics/certificate- programs/certificate- in-gerontology-aging- studies/ Contact Jean Munn Contact Jean Munn –