Gerontology
hideGerontology (from Greek: γέρον, geron, "old man"; and λόγος, logos, "speech" lit. "to talk about old age") is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging. It is distinguished from geriatrics, which is the branch of medicine that studies the disease of the elderly.
Gerontology includes these and other endeavors:
The multidisciplinary focus of gerontology means that there are a number of sub-fields, as well as associated fields such as psychology and sociology that also cross over into gerontology. However, that there is an overlap should not be taken as to construe that they are the same. For example, a psychologist may specialize in early adults (and not be a gerontologist) or specialize in older adults (and be a gerontologist).
The field of gerontology was developed relatively late, and as such often lacks the structural and institutional support needed (for example, relatively few universities offer a Ph.D. in gerontology). Yet the huge increase in the elderly population in the post-industrial Western nations has led to this becoming one of the most rapidly growing fields. As such, gerontology is currently a well-paying field for many in the West.
For more information about Gerontology, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
News tagged with gerontology
Lack of Social Engagement Is a Risk Factor for Self-Neglect in Older Adults
Other Sciences / Social Sciences
Nov 16, 2009 |
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Seniors who neglect themselves, risking their own health and safety, tend to be individuals with limited social networks and little social engagement, according to a study by Rush University Medical Center.
Study: Hairstylists can help identify older clients who need health services
Sep 08, 2009 |
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Hairstylists may have a unique opportunity to help steer their elderly clients to needed health services, according to a small, exploratory study.
Research indicates toddlers can become ageists by three
Other Sciences / Social Sciences
Aug 19, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Sometimes inspiration comes from the strangest of places. For Sheree Kwong See, it happened during a testing session with a subject while conducting a study on language and cognitive changes ...
Risk of frailty in older women dependent on multisystem abnormalities
Jul 30, 2009 |
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A study published online ahead of press in the Gerontology Society of America's Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences reports that the condition of frailty in older adults is associated with a critical mass of abnormal physio ...
Risky business: Stressed men more likely to gamble
Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry
Jul 01, 2009 |
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Stressed out, dude? Don't go to Vegas.
Physical activity improves life expectancy and decreases need of care among older people
Apr 29, 2009 |
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A longitudinal research study conducted at the Finnish Centre for Interdisciplinary Gerontology at the University of Jyväskylä shows that people who have been regularly physically active since middle age and have ...
Fear of moving outdoors may shackle an older person home
Apr 16, 2009 |
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Fear may create walking difficulties in a short period of time. Fear of moving outdoors is very common among older people and increases the risk of developing self-reported difficulties in walking.
Study finds multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria high in long-term care
Apr 10, 2009 |
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The prevalence of a certain form of drug-resistant bacteria, called multidrug-resistant gram-negative (MDRGN) organisms, far surpassed that of two other common antimicrobial-resistant infections in long-term care facilities, ...
Weight gain early in life leads to physical disabilities in older adults
Apr 07, 2009 |
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Carrying extra weight earlier in life increases the risk of developing problems with mobility in old age, even if the weight is eventually lost, according to new research out of the Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest University ...
Study suggests blood test for Alzheimer's possible
Mar 11, 2009 |
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Researchers have revealed a direct relationship between two specific antibodies and the severity of Alzheimer's disease symptoms, raising hopes that a diagnostic blood test for the devastating disorder is within reach.
Stanford researchers uncover link between 2 aging pathways in mice
Biology /
Jan 08, 2009 |
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Two previously identified pathways associated with aging in mice are connected, say researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The finding reinforces what researchers have recently begun to suspect: that the ...
