What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of aging. It encompasses the biological, psychological, sociological, health and economic aspects of aging. As both a basic and applied social science, it involves the study of aging from the individual as well as from the societal perspective. Gerontologists might have a degree in gerontology, or may have a specialization in aging within another discipline. They can work in a variety of settings such as health facilities, mental health services, social service agencies, marketing and communications, retirement planning, recreation and leisure, housing agencies, government agencies, community agencies, advocacy groups, or research and educational institutions, to name a few examples. Because of their broad understanding of aging, gerontologists are able to assume many different roles and provide perspective to specialists in other fields whose work leads them to deal with the older population.