Geriatric Care: Get Paid to Give Back |
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January 9, 2007
by AJ Fanter
Healthcare Programs Columnist
According to the Gerontological Society of America, only half of Americans born in 1900 lived beyond age 50. However, that isn't the case today, when most of us can plan on living well beyond our 75th birthday.
And, while nearly one in eight Americans is over age 65, the rate of those aged 85 and older is actually the fastest-growing age demographic. In fact, by 2050 one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and roughly 18 million will be over 85. This is driving a need for those who have experience and knowledge in caring for the aging. And that's exactly what you will have if you decide to pursue a career in geriatric care.
Reasons for Pursing a Gerontology Degree
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education notes that there are many reasons to pursue a geriatric care degree or certificate. In addition to boasting a growing number of job opportunities, gerontology is a broad field with a number of different career paths. For example, you might find yourself working with healthy adults over age 65 who want to learn and travel, or helping to run long-term care facilities for those in need of extended care.
Getting Certified in Geriatric Care
If studying gerontology appeals to you, there are roughly 1,000 programs offering geriatric care certificates. Some schools even give you the ability to pursue a portion of your degree or certificate program in gerontology online, from the convenience of your home.
If you enjoy working with seniors and want a job in a field with tremendous growth potential, maybe it's time to get a degree or certificate in gerontology.
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About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.
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