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 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

Aging Myths ... and Facts

1.

All older adults have Alzheimers disease (AD) All older adults are depressed Psychological treatment is ineffective in old age

1.

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

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

Most old people live in nursing homes

Most older adults are preoccupied with thoughts of death

4.

95% live on their own in the community

They are most concerned with staying independent

5.

5.

Aging Myths ... and Facts (contd.)

6.

Older adults are foolish if interested in sex You cant teach an old dog new tricks

6.

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!

7.

7.

8.

Only old people are wise

8.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Resources for Students

APA Aging Resources:

Office on Aging

http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/

Division 20, Adult Development and Aging http://apadiv20.phhp.ufl.edu/ Division 12 Section 2, Clinical Geropsychology http://www.geropsychology.org/ Geropsychology: Its 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/

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, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 202/336-6135 202/336-6040 fax mrandolph@apa.org or ddigilio@apa.org