Message from the Coordinator

What is gerontology?

Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of aging, older adults, and age-related opportunities, changes and issues.

Why learn about gerontology?

In 1900, people over the age of 65 accounted for approximately 4% of the United States population – it was relatively rare to live that long in those days.

Currently, older adults constitute 17% of the U.S. population. That's a big change!

By the year 2030, this percentage is expected to increase to 20-25%. In addition, the fastest growing segment of this aging population consists of adults over the age of 85.

What does this mean for individuals interested in working with seniors? There is and will continue to be, an urgent need for professionals educated in gerontology. Majoring in gerontology will provide you with an interdisciplinary foundation for pursuing a career in the field of aging.

Why me?

As the senior population continues to grow rapidly, new and exciting career opportunities are emerging in the field of gerontology—and even more are on the horizon.

Even if you don't major in gerontology, chances are that whatever career path you choose, you’ll be working with older adults in some capacity. Understanding their needs, challenges, and perspectives will be more important than ever.

For example, if you're studying business or marketing, you’ll need to understand the interests and habits of older consumers, who represent a powerful segment of the market. If you’re interested in politics, public policy, or law, it’s essential to consider how legislation affects older adults and their quality of life.

If you're going into social work, psychology, or counseling, you’ll need to understand how aging affects individuals emotionally, socially, and physically, and how it shapes relationships and communities. Healthcare students—whether you're studying to become a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or therapist—will need specific training to provide effective, compassionate care for older patients.

Even students in the sciences can explore age-related changes at the cellular or systemic level, which can lead to breakthroughs in aging research, medicine, and technology.

Beyond professional reasons, gaining knowledge about aging also helps you relate better to the older adults in your life—like grandparents, mentors, or community members—and prepares you for your own aging journey.

No matter your major, understanding aging and the older population is becoming an essential part of being prepared for the future.

Myths and stereotypes about older adults

There are many myths and stereotypes about older adults that simply aren’t true. For example, you might have heard things like:

• Older adults are boring.
• They can’t learn new skills or information.
• They don’t contribute to their families or society.
• They don’t have sex or romantic relationships.
• Most of them live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

The truth? Older adults are even more diverse in age, ability, personality, and interests than other age groups. Many continue to work, volunteer, travel, explore new hobbies, maintain active social lives, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. Most older adults also live independently in their own homes—not in care facilities, as many assume.

This wide range of experiences and abilities means that careers working with older adults are equally varied. Whether you're interested in social services, nonprofits, healthcare, technology, education, business, or the arts, there are countless opportunities to work with and support older adults in creative and meaningful ways.

By challenging these outdated stereotypes, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities—and help ensure that everyone, at every age, is valued and understood.

Careers in gerontology

A degree in gerontology opens the door to a wide variety of careers centered around supporting and working with older adults. Whether you're drawn to healthcare, community service, advocacy or business, there’s a role for you in this growing and meaningful field.

Work with active, independent older adults

If you're interested in helping healthy, engaged seniors stay active in their communities, consider careers such as:

• Senior center director
• Community volunteer coordinator 

Support frail older adults

Some professionals choose to work with frail or medically complex older adults in specialized care settings where support is essential for daily living and well-being. These roles are both meaningful and impactful, offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of seniors and their families.

Possible work settings and roles:

• Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Long-term care administrator
  • Physical or occupational therapist
  • Social services director
• Assisted Living Facilities & Memory Care Units
  • Resident services director
  • Lifestyle coordinator

Professionals in these environments help older adults manage chronic conditions, stay socially and emotionally engaged, and maintain the best possible quality of life.

Just as importantly, this support gives family members the opportunity to step back from caregiving responsibilities and return to their most meaningful role—that of a loved one. These careers offer the chance to be part of a compassionate care team that brings comfort and connection to seniors and their families alike.

Advocate for seniors in policy and community work

Gerontology can also lead to careers in advocacy, public policy and community development. You might work with non-profits, government agencies, or community organizations to promote the rights, health and well-being of older adults.

Combine gerontology with other fields

Gerontology can also be paired with additional training or graduate education in areas like:

• Financial and estate planning
• Recreation and leisure studies
• Business, marketing and advertising
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Social work, psychology and counseling

By combining your interest in aging with another field, you can create a unique and in-demand career path.

Bottom line: The field of gerontology is full of opportunities to make a difference while building a rewarding career. No matter your interests, there's likely a path that connects your passion to the needs of our aging population.

Best bargain on campus: Two majors

You can earn a dual major (same as a major/minor combination). This makes you more marketable. Ask us about it!

Traditional major and minor

We also offer a traditional comprehensive gerontology major and a gerontology minor.

Benefits of a small program like gerontology

Personalized advising with special attention on your future career goals, interesting and challenging classes, support from classmates, and the Gerontology Club.

If you have any specific questions or think you might be interested in the:

• Dual major
• Gerontology major
• Gerontology minor