- Eldercare Specialist
- Social Gerontologist
- Geriatrics Healthcare Specialist
- Elder Law Practitioner
- Assisted Living Director
There are more career possibilities in gerontology today than ever before, with more and more gerontology professionals entering this growing field. The reason for the increase is the elderly population is living longer, healthier lives. The number of older adults in the US who were 65 or older in July 2021 accounted for 16.5 percent of the population. By 2030 older adults are expected to account for 21 percent of the population, with more people in this age category than children for the first time ever. Older Americans are healthier and more active than their predecessors, with fewer older adults living in poverty, and more continuing to work into older age. They expect to maintain that lifestyle as long as possible. In contrast, the number of elderly with chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and other cognitive and physical deterioration issues have increased. Many people 65 and older are caregivers for spouses. To meet these health care needs, new areas in gerontology careers have emerged.
The field of Gerontology has a wide range of possible work. Researchers in this field have the potential for improving health, life expectancy and disease prevention. Career opportunities to work with older patients abound, with titles including nurses aide, social worker, occupational therapist, community health worker, psychologist, healthcare manager, advocate, lawyer, doctor, health educator and more. Doctors and clinical nurses providing health care and implementing treatment plans for older patients have a career in gerontology, even if this term is not used.
As the number of older people increases, the demand for professionals in gerontology careers to provide this population with proper medical and other types of care will continue to increase. Many other professions such as psychology and sociology can help with mental health and be specialized in working with the elderly. People are concerned with living active and fulfilling lives and more professions will tailor branches to work with this population. Occupational therapists working with the elderly have a significant role to develop treatment plans for helping people continue to live active and fulfilling lives. Many gerontologists work in nursing homes and health care facilities, but others help people living in their own homes. This list of five fast-growing gerontology careers presented here are representative of a number of emerging jobs in the field of gerontology.
1. Eldercare Specialist
This is generally a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who works in a long-term care facility advocating for the needs of the elderly and providing services that help older people living out of their homes feel more at home. They may also work with an in-home-care agency to meet the needs of older people who need assistance to remain in their homes. They may assist with cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, arrange for social opportunities, help with going to medical appointments, manage medications, provide transportation and offer other services that enable the elderly client to maintain some level of independence depending on their health and needs. These caregivers earn a median salary of $33,120 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Social Gerontologist
A social gerontologist, also known as geriatric social worker or gerontological social worker, advocates for the needs of the elderly and provides needed social services information and mental health support. These health professionals work with older individuals as well as their loved ones and family. Social gerontologists work with a wide variety of healthcare professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and nurses, and other therapies. He or she provides educational materials for older people about social services resources and creates programs in the community to serve their needs. A social worker can help clients manage mental health conditions, stress, health, behavioral issues and more. These social workers may also provide counseling or therapy for the elderly and their families as they navigate the aging process. Social gerontologists can provide helpful resources, such as the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to help clients find needed information. Gerontological Social Workers generally have at least a master’s degree in geriatrics or psychology with a concentration in gerontology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median salary for social gerontologists is $92,910.
3. Geriatrics Healthcare Specialist
This is a medical specialty in gerontology that includes medical professionals such as physicians and nurses. The geriatrics specialist works to provide clinical services and promote health in the elderly population by preventative practices and by treating diseases and disabilities that affect older adults during the aging process. They focus on keeping patients functional to maintain their quality of life, whether at home or on the many nursing care facilities. They may specialize in areas such as audiology, geriatric pharmacy, podiatry or other fields. The health specialist working with older people understands their psychological as well as their physical needs. These professionals also have an understanding of caregiver roles and work with the patient’s family. These professionals earn differing salaries depending upon their education and professional level. A registered nurse working in geriatrics can expect to earn a median annual salary of $77,900.
4. Elder Law Practitioner
Lawyers certified in this area of gerontology have specialized training in law issues that are specific to the elderly. These professionals work with elderly patients and their family members to ensure proper care of the elder. They direct their clients and their family members in areas such as estate planning, estate tax, Medicare/Medicaid, special needs trusts, long term care planning, veterans benefits, age discrimination, and elder abuse. Lawyers working in this geriatric specialization ensure that the workplace makes appropriate accommodations for working older people and helps them navigate the regulations for Medicare wages. They also work to prevent elder abuse and support families making decisions about the ability of elderly loved ones to be responsible for their own finances and living arrangements. In addition, because more older people than ever before have disposable income, they help plan retirements and inheritances. They work with people and their caregivers to make health care decisions and to do long-term health planning. According to the BLS, lawyers earn a median annual salary of $127,990.
5. Assisted Living Director
Directors in assisted living work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities with responsibilities for the daily operations of the facility. They manage and direct staff members that can include housekeeping, kitchen staff, medical staff and grounds keepers. Not to be confused with an activity director, this professional works in long-term care facilities managing staff and making financial decisions for the facility. They also ensure that the facility is in compliance with federal and state regulations and that all personnel have education and certification appropriate to their positions. These professionals usually have an MBA with a healthcare or gerontology specialization. The BLS says the median salary for these individuals is $101,340.
FAQ’s
What is gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of older people and their mental, physical, health and social aspects. This multidisciplinary study looks at how older people are affected by the aging process. A career in gerontology includes providing healthcare and medical services as well as prevention strategies for older people. A gerontology degree typically prepares graduates for working in human services, retirement centers, healthcare, mental health clinics, long term care facilities, and related agencies caring for older adults. Fields that can be specific to gerontology can include physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical doctors, adult geriatric nurse practitioners, geriatric social workers, community health workers and other field
What’s the difference between a Gerontologist and a Geriatrician?
While Gerontologists are health care professionals working with older populations, they are not medical doctors. Geriatricians are medical doctors who are specialized in caring for older adults. After completing medical school and their residency, a geriatrician becomes board certified in family or internal medicine. They then complete a fellowship in geriatric medicine and pass the Geriatric Medicine Certification Examination. These healthcare providers will often join one of the many group medical practices that provides healthcare services to older people.
How much does a Gerontologist make?
According to Salary.com, the average Gerontologist salary in the United States as of December, 2022 is $213,153, with a typical salary ranging from $196,063 to $232,883. According to Glassdoor, the highest paying Gerontologist is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, with the low range of $32,000/year, a high range of $461,000/year, and a median annual salary of $118,994/year.
It’s a well known fact that the United States has an aging population, so earning a bachelor’s degree in gerontology can open gerontology career paths. According to the Census Bureau it is estimated that by 2030 for the first time there will be more people over 65 than children. With this aging population comes increased need for knowledgable gerontologists, making a gerontology career a secure career path for those who wish to pursue a career in this field. With people age 65 years and older being the fastest growing segment of the population, the number of gerontology professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree is expected to increase in order to meet the growing demand in age-related needs. Getting a gerontology education, including a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree can help pave the way in this interesting career in gerontological practice. As expected, the gerontology career outlook is very good due to the aging population. and earning a degree in gerontology can help you get ahead in this career. Gerontology graduates have many options for satisfying work, whether working as an occupational therapist or as one of the geriatric care managers in a practice or facility.
What are some other job titles in gerontology?
Many jobs can be tailored to work in gerontology, such as health educators, personal care assistant, grief counselor, home health aide, nursing assistant, dietitian, audiologist, physical therapist, dentist, health services administrator, occupational therapist and more. Whatever the job title, getting some education in gerontology will help pave the way to success. Some of these jobs require a high school diploma, while others may require a bachelor’s degree or medical school. Registered occupational therapists provide needed services in occupational therapy offices serving the older population. All working in this field need a foundational knowledge to work with elderly patients, whether working in occupational, or a nursing assistant. Many registered nurses take special courses in gerontology as part of a graduate certificate or a master’s degree leading to a degree in gerontology. Career paths are varied for entering this field and for advancing.
What are the professional organizations for those in a gerontology career?
Gerontology professionals seek professional organizations that cater to the career in gerontology. These organizations help those in gerontology careers stay on top of trends and requirements in their field, continuing education requirements and present research findings in the field. These organizations give information about bachelor’s degree programs, student resources, and career paths in the field for those wishing to pursue a career in this field. Check out these organizations if you’re a student working on a gerontology degree, one of the many recent gerontology graduates, or a gerontology professional, or simply want to know more about gerontology careers and working with elderly patients. These organization may help solidify your career goals. Some organizations have groups that are specific to gerontology, for example registered nurses have a number of professional organizations specific to the field of nursing, and some organizations have sub groups for gerontology.
The National Association for Professional Gerontologists (NAPG)- NAPG is the credentialing organization for gerontology professionals. They promote discipline standards and credibility, and provide networking opportunities for the profession.
Gerontological Society of America (GSA)- With 5,000 members, GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to gerontology research, education, and practice. GSA’s principal mission is to promote the study of aging and disseminate this information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.
American Society on Aging (ASA)– The work of ASA is framed around these five priorities: Ageism & Culture, Economic Security, Innovation & Social Impact, Health & Well-being and Equity & Justice. ASA’s programs are designed to promote actionable change in each of these areas individually, and as they overlap.
American Geriatric Society (AGS)- The 6,000+ member AGS was founded in 1942, and is a society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. AGS members include geriatricians, geriatrics nurse practitioners, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. AGS focuses on championing interprofessional teams, eliciting personal care goals, and treating older people as whole persons.
What characteristics do people in the field of gerontology have?
Besides being skilled in the type of work being done, people working with elderly adults typically enjoy helping others and are patient, compassionate, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Those who pursue careers in gerontology should have good clear communication skills and a desire to continue learning new skills and information are essential. Depending on the type of work being done, people working in this field often need to have physical capabilities to assist those unable to move and help themselves. People in gerontology careers may have studied and have an interest in topics such as biology, anatomy and physiology, and psychology.
Whether you are entering this field with a high school diploma, an associate degree from a community college, or a graduate degree or medical degree, many find a great career working with older adults and increasing their well being.
MPH Staff, January 2023
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