Gerontologist

What is a Gerontologist?

Duties

The duties of a qualified gerontologist involve the following points:

• Supervise and follow-up regarding the day to day personal hygiene of seniors at a facility, reporting any significant changes in physical well-being to family members or the respective physician.
• Monitor the serving of seniors at the dining area such that it is in a friendly and courteous manner as per established guidelines and policies.
• Review submitted weekly reports from other staff like service coordinators, then follow up when required on documentation accuracy and language.
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the assigned facility with regard to patient welfare, health and socialization in accordance with state and health department regulations.
• Either perform all tasks or delegate and schedule work for program service coordinators and ensure that it is completed in a timely manner.

Day In The Life

Gerontologists vary greatly on the type of role and specialization they choose to pursue. For instance, if you are working as a research gerontologist, you would spend most of your day doing research on various aspects of aging, optimal living environments for the elderly, etc. If you are an applied gerontologist you would be working face to face with seniors, focusing on interactions with families and individuals, etc. In administrative positions, gerontologists utilize their leadership skills to build and implement different programs while overseeing services for improving operational capacity.

The overall responsibility of a gerontologist is to better understand the aging process and promote awareness about the effects of aging on older adults. This takes place through publishing books, presenting new research about the elderly and producing relevant video clips or television programs. You may also choose to teach gerontology at a university or college, which would include teaching in classrooms, grading papers and traveling to relevant speaking engagements as a professor.

Work Schedule

Gerontologist usually work set hours, like other professionals serving as day-care providers in healthcare or social service contexts. The work environment can vary, ranging from nursing homes, hospitals and other private practice.

Growth Of The Job

Jobs in this sector are expected to increase at around 12% by 2022 – this is the average rate in comparison with other jobs. There are many opportunities for growth as the baby-boom generation grows older, requiring well-equipped senior care nursing homes and other facilities. There will also be job openings when older workers choose to transfer, stop working or retire.

In related professions such as nursing, psychology and rehabilitation counseling, you could apply your gerontology skills to emerging career paths as a research psychologist, registered nurse or rehabilitation counselor.

Typical Employers

As a gerontologist, you may work in industries such as academia, research, government, healthcare and policy. Typically, gerontologists are employed by hospitals, research organisations, non-profits, social service agencies, health care facilities, retirement homes and other community organisations. Some also choose to start an independent consulting business to advise leading healthcare agencies and companies on viable products or services targeting the elderly.

Another career option is working as a full-time researcher or research scientist to further your understanding of aging processes and their impact on different populations. If your role is in the industry or government, you will help contribute to designing innovative products that will assist senior citizens with their standard of living.