12 Aug Gerontologists (Who Are Those Guys?)
Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with the elderly. They provide services to individuals in nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, and at home, as well as work with home health care agencies and other facilities.
Some gerontologists are involved in research while others develop programs and training for the delivery of services to the elderly. Their professional training is in areas such as nursing, psychology, sociology, and social services.
Gerontology is the study of the aging process and the social environment of our elderly population. It is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the study of physiology, sociology, psychology and economics.
Specifically, Gerontologists often work as case managers. They counsel the elderly on health, financial, or personal planning, develop programs to assist the elderly, research and evaluate existing programs and coordinate services with other agencies.
In a broader context, gerontologists formulate and advocate public policy dealing with aging. They increase public awareness of the need and availability of services for the elderly and their families.
Scientifically, gerontologists study the influence of heredity, lifestyle and environment on human aging, life span, and age related diseases. Gerontologists have identified a number of age interrelated clues to the aging process that one day may help treat diseases of the elderly and possibly even extend the human life span.
The importance of the field of gerontology is evidenced by the fact that by 2030 about 25% of the U.S. population will be 65 years of age or older. Their needs and concerns will be a dominant force in business and government planning.
Additional information on gerontologists and the field of gerontology can be obtained from the “National Council on Aging” at www.ncoa.org. and the “American Society of Aging”, www.asaging.org.
If you have any questions concerning Gerontologist health care, call our Miami office for a free telephone consultation: (305) 274-0955.