Human Services Gerontology Option
Gerontology is the study of the process of aging. As America has become more and more technologically advanced, people have begun to live longer. For example, the population of people over the age of 65 had increased to 12.6% in 1990 from only 4% in 1900. In the future it is predicted that the size of the older population will continue to grows as the baby boom generation begins to reach age 65 by 2010.
Gerontology is multidisciplinary as it includes a holistic approach to the study of the aging process. Georgia Highlands College's program includes courses in Biology, Psychology, Sociology and Nursing. Further information on health, intellectual ability, personality, family relations, employment and economic issues, retirement, politics, and ethical issues are integrated throughout the course work. In addition, students participate in two Field Work assignments appropriate to their interest.
The Field Work placement is designed to allow students hands-on work experience in the field under the supervision and tutelage of a well-trained and proficient individual in the field of gerontology. Students will complete a minimum of 120 hours in an approved facility and attend a weekly seminar with a Georgia Highlands College faculty member.
The settings that a graduate of the gerontology option might explore for employment: Organizations that work with Alzheimer's disease or Hospice; Institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, or mental health facilities; Corporations such as health care, insurance companies, or investment firms; or Governmental Agencies such as health departments.
Work in Direct Services that a graduate might explore includes arranging travel for senior citizens, advocacy, housing, job placement, banking, recreations, program planning and coordination, education, and retirement planning.
In short the roles that a graduate from the gerontology program can expect to undertake are diverse.