Guide to Health Careers

Gerontologists

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_gerontologist.htm

Gerontologists are experts at working with and understanding older adults and the aging process. With elderly Canadians on the verge of becoming the largest segment of society, attention is turning toward research activities, and services related to aging. People from a wide variety of professions can become gerontologists by applying their skills and experience toward helping the elderly. A great number of gerontologists work in the health industry as geriatric nurses and social workers. They focus on meeting the physical, emotional and psychological needs of older adults who may be disabled, ill or have a long-term sickness.

The Cool Things They Do:

Assist patients in daily living activities, personal care, and hygiene
Administer medicines and nutritional supplements
Counsel and advise patients and their caregivers about nutrition, physical and restorative activities, and various programs available to them
Physically maneuver patients in and out of beds, vehicles, and bathrooms
Providing cognitive, social, and emotional support to patients

Working Conditions:

Gerontologists employed in health and human services such as geriatric nurses or social workers may work in any number of environments. Some may work in clean, sterile institutions like hospitals or retirement homes, while others may travel from house to house meeting with patients and their families. Regardless of the setting, working with elderly people can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Most Gerontologists Work In:

Hospitals
Retirement and nursing homes
Adult daycare and long-term care facilities
Government and community agencies
Universities and colleges

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

An interest in improving the lives of older people
A positive and patient attitude
Strength of character and ability to be flexible
Research skills with the ability to stay on top of recent trends
Strong listening and communication skills
Good organizational and skills
Multidisciplinary team player

Education and Training Required:

College diploma or university degree depending on area of specialty

Length of Study/Training :

3-12 years post-secondary, depending on the area of specialty

Helpful High School Courses:

Math
English
Sciences
Business

Employment Prospects -GOOD

With the elderly population expected to grow as more “baby boomers” reach retirement age, demand for work in gerontology will likely increase.

Earnings:

Average annual salary for geriatric nurses and social workers: $35,000 to $50,000.

More Information:

Canadian Association on Gerontology
http://www.cagacg.ca

Ontario Gerontology Association
http://www.ontgerontology.on.ca

The Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association
http://www.cgna.net

The Canadian Geriatrics Society
http://www.canadiangeriatrics.com

Centre on Aging, University of Victoria
http://www.coag.uvic.ca

Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
http://www.aghe.org/site/aghewebsite

Careers in Aging
http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging

Job Futures:

Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/416.shtml