With humans living a lot longer and the post-WWII baby boomer generation increasing in age, there is an increasing need for gerontologists. People who want to learn about old age and the aging process, and who wish to help create policies and enrich the lives of the elderly may want to consider a career in this field of medicine.

Gerontologists study aging and its physical, mental and social effects. Their research is then applied to shape the policies and programs that enhance the lives of senior citizens and educate them and the rest of the population regarding appropriate ways to care for the elderly and prepare them for the aging process.

Gerontologists are split into several groups, including: research, applied practice and administrative. Those who work in research observe elderly persons environment and document their aging process. Gerontologists who work in the field of applied gerontology interact directly with elder individuals. Administrative gerontologists develop programs and services to oversee the care provided for older persons and to ensure that it is administered as competently as possible.

Because gerontology studies all aspects of aging, it draws from many other fields such as social work, sociology and psychology. Many gerontology programs require internships that give students the opportunity to work in care-giving environments such as nursing homes and hospitals. Students who want to focus on geriatrics, whether they are nurses, sociologists or physical therapists, can benefit from obtaining a degree or certificate in gerontology.

Those who combine gerontology and nursing may work in the geriatric unit in a hospital, nursing home or hospice. Nursing homes provide medical treatment, while hospices focus on pain management and the wellbeing of the patients without attempting to cure them. A hospice is a facility where terminally ill patients go to die.

Those who want to combine gerontology with another medical profession may also consider specializing in an area of medicine such as dermatology or rheumatology. Dermatology specializes in the skin, and rheumatology works with rheumatic diseases (arthritis), which cause pain and inflammation in the joints and bones. Sometimes, people can suffer a complete loss of function from the damage caused by these disorders. Skin problems and joint pain are two of the medical issues that older people commonly face.

There are many options for those who want a career in gerontology. Because of the increasing elderly population, there is an increasing need for people to work in this field who understand the aging process, which programs should be implemented to give care that will enhance the lives of the elder population.

Career specializations such as nursing and physical therapy require further schooling. Other jobs such as social work and psychology have their own requirements as well. Having a gerontology degree does not make you a social worker or psychologist. However, you can get a degree in one of these career fields in conjunction with a gerontology degree. If you are already employed in another profession that focuses on geriatrics, you may want to consider increasing your knowledge by obtaining certification in gerontology from a continuing education program.

It is important for anyone considering a career as a gerontologist to have good written and oral communication skills as well as patience and a personality that is geared toward helping others. You will have to be emotionally and physically strong. This is especially true when caring for elderly because there is always the possibility that one of your patients will pass away.