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Careers in Professional Geropsychology

Careers in Professional Geropsychology. Professional Geropsychology Synarchy : A co- ordinating group of organizations in psychology and aging January 2013. What Is Geropsychology?.

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Careers in Professional Geropsychology

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  1. Careers in Professional Geropsychology Professional GeropsychologySynarchy: A co-ordinating group of organizations in psychology and aging January 2013

  2. What Is Geropsychology? • The study of human aging in adulthood and the development of ways to improve quality of life in older adults (65+ years old). • Involves and interacts with various fields: cognitive neuroscience, neurology, medicine, sociology, social work, economics, humanities, public policy, human factors.

  3. Why is there a need for geropsychologists? People are living longer than ever; By 2050, 20% of U.S. population will be 65 or older. It’s a world-wide trend; Currently, there are too few health workers and researchers who can work with older adults; Many exciting and rewarding career opportunities.

  4. The truth about aging… What is it like to be old?

  5. All older adults have Alzheimer’s disease All older adults are depressed Psychological treatment is ineffective in old age Most old people live in nursing homes Most older adults are preoccupied with thoughts of death Only 10% aged 65+ have memory problems Older adults are just as satisfied with life as young adults are Elders benefit from treatment as much as young adults do 95% live on their own in the community They are most concerned with staying independent Aging Myths ... and Facts

  6. Older adults are foolish if interested in sex You can’t teach an old dog new tricks Only old people are wise Sexuality is a normal part of life for all adults People can learn at any age. New learning and stimulating activities may stave off memory problems People can be wise at any age, but older folks are more likely to have the life experiences that make a person wiser – pay attention to them! Aging Myths ... and Facts (cont’d.)

  7. What kind of work do geropsychologists do?

  8. Where geropsychologists work… • Clinics, hospitals, nursing homes • Retirement communities • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs • Religious organizations • Local, state, federal government • Adult education programs • Business and industry • Professional organizations • Research labs

  9. Careers in geropsychology… • Neuropsychology; • Cognitive training; • Psychotherapy; • Behavioral Medicine; • Rehabilitation; • Health Promotion; • Law (Adult Protection, Competency); • Business; • Health Research; • Aging Policy and health care reform.

  10. How to become a geropsychologist? Does require additional training: • Ph.D. in psychology, with training in geropsychology; or post-Ph.D. specialty training in geropsychology • Look for graduate programs with opportunities for working with older adults. • Look for clinical psychology internships with opportunities for working with older adults

  11. What will I study? Normal/healthy aging; Neuroscience (normal and abnormal brain aging); Sociology of aging; Psychology of Aging.

  12. How do I prepare for graduate training? • You can get experience through: • Working in research settings with studies on healthy aging, mental health in late life, cognitive neuroscience in late life; • Working and volunteering at senior centers, residential care facilities, health centers for seniors, or advocacy groups like AARP.

  13. Resources for Students • APA Aging Resources: • Office on Aging http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/ • Division 20, Adult Development and Aginghttp://apadiv20.phhp.ufl.edu/ • Division 12 Section 2, Clinical Geropsychology http://geropsych.org/ • Geropsychology: It’s YOUR Future! (fact sheet)http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/student_fact_sheet.pdf • Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (aging career info) • http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/

  14. For more information... • APA Office on Aging • Coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology; supports the APA Committee on Aging • American Psychological AssociationPublic Interest Directorate750 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002-4242202/336-6135202/336-6040 faxpublicinterest@apa.org

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