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Careers in Aging

Careers in Aging. APA Committee on Aging 2013. What Is Gerontology?. Study of the aging process and individuals as they grow from midlife through later life including the study of physical, mental and social changes

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Careers in Aging

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  1. Careers in Aging APA Committee on Aging 2013

  2. What Is Gerontology? • Study of the aging process and individuals as they grow from midlife through later life including the study of physical, mental and social changes • Encompasses biology/health, psychology, sociology, economics, humanities, public policy • Modern gerontology emerged after WWII, focusing on understanding aging processes and solving aging-related problems • An important concern has been reducing myths or stereotypes and emphasizing positive aspects of aging

  3. All older adults have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) 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 about 5% to 13% of individuals age 65  and older have AD The prevalence of depression is lower in older adults than in younger age groups Elders benefit from MH 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

  4. 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. Staying engaged in learning and stimulating activities helps to stay mentally sharp and may delay the onset of cognitive impairment 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.)

  5. Growing Need for Aging Specialists • People are living longer than ever • By 2050, 20% of U.S. population will be 65 or older; • World-wide trend • Older adults are a diverse group with unique interests and needs • Older adults are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse – requiring people from diverse backgrounds for support

  6. Growing Need for Aging Specialists Currently, there are too few clinicians and researchers who work with older adults. Many exciting and rewarding career opportunities exist. The need for workers will continue to grow for the next three decades. Jobs are available!

  7. Main Topics in the Psychology of Adult Development and Aging • Intelligence, memory, and wisdom • Personality, emotional development, and resilience • Social relations and interactions • Health, physical functioning, and sensory changes • Life events, stressors, and coping • Scientific methods for studying change over time

  8. Important Age-related Issues • Stressors such as loss of loved ones, relocation, medical conditions, caregiving demands, change in work status, poverty • Can affect health and independence • Can lead to anxiety and depression • Resources such as experience, wisdom, resilience, and close relationships • Can help with adjusting to life changes

  9. Many types of psychologists work with older adults … Geropsychologists Neuropsychologists Cognitive Science Researchers Rehabilitation Psychologists Behavioral and Social Science Researchers Clinical Psychologists Counseling Psychologists Health Psychologists And others….

  10. Psychologists Provide Clinical Services and Conduct Research on • Family relationships • Mental and substance abuse disorders • Cognitive aging and memory • Sexuality • Mental capacity assessment • Health promotion/chronic disease management • Caregiving • Adjusting to life changes

  11. Work Settings • Community – senior centers, retirement homes, social service agencies, religious organizations • Health - clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospice, VA medical centers • Education - colleges, adult education, intergenerational programs • Business and industry • Research labs

  12. Careers in Aging • Health provider – geropsychologist, geriatric social worker, direct service provider, case manager • Community, aging or social services worker • Teacher/trainer • Health Researcher • There are opportunities for high school & college grads, as well as those with advanced degrees

  13. If You Are Interested In Graduate School…. • Get some experience in work with older adults • Volunteer at your area agency on aging, or at a senior center or rehabilitation facility or with advocacy groups such as AARP. • Look for graduate programs with faculty members who work with older adults or have research programs with opportunities related to aging.

  14. 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://www.geropsychology.org/ • Geropsychology: It’s YOUR Future! (fact sheet)http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/geropsychology.pdf • Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (aging career info) • http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/

  15. For more information... • APA Office on Aging • Coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology; supports the APA Committee on Aging • 750 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002-4242202/336-6135202/336-6040 faxmrandolph@apa.org or ddigilio@apa.org

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