What is Gerontology?

Summary

In this enlightening talk, Kiren Emerson, a gerontologist at the University of Georgia, emphasizes the importance of gerontology, the study of aging, for both personal and professional reasons. She highlights the rapid growth of the aging population, debunks common myths about aging, and illustrates how understanding this demographic shift is crucial for various careers and societal structures. Emerson encourages learning about gerontology to navigate an aging society effectively.

Takeaways

• 📚 Gerontology is an interdisciplinary field that studies aging at the individual and population level, incorporating knowledge from biology, humanities, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, and public health.
• 👨‍🏫 Kiren Emerson, a gerontologist at the University of Georgia, emphasizes the importance of gerontology for both personal and professional reasons, highlighting its relevance in various aspects of life and careers.
• 📈 By 2030, the number of older adults in the U.S. is projected to increase to 72 million, representing about 20% of the population, indicating a significant demographic shift.
• 👶 The baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is a major contributor to the aging population, with every 8 seconds a baby boomer turning 65 for the next 18 years.
• 🌐 Life expectancy has increased significantly, with Japan at 83 years and the United States at 78.6 years, reflecting a global trend of longer lifespans.
• 📊 Population pyramids illustrate the aging process, showing an increase in the number of older adults and centenarians, and a notable difference in the number of women compared to men.
• 👵 The aging population has personal implications for everyone, as we all age and may need to support older family members or become caregivers ourselves.
• 💼 Careers in various fields, from healthcare to fashion, will be impacted by the aging population, requiring professionals to have knowledge in gerontology to better serve an older demographic.
• 🏢 The increase in life expectancy and aging population will affect societal structures, including education, housing, and public policy, necessitating adjustments to accommodate the needs of older adults.
• 🧐 Common myths about aging are debunked in the script, such as the misconception that all older adults are sick, live in nursing homes, or lack interest in sexual relations.
• 📘 For those interested in learning more about gerontology, the University of Georgia's Institute of Gerontology offers programs including undergraduate classes, a graduate certificate, and a master's degree with a focus on aging.

Q & A

What is the main focus of gerontology according to Kiren Emerson?

Gerontology is the study of aging at the individual and population level, encompassing an interdisciplinary field that includes information from biology, humanities, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, and public health.

How does gerontology differ from geriatrics?

Gerontology focuses on the study of aging and its impact on society and the aging process, while geriatrics is the clinical and medical side of caring for older adults, which is left to clinicians known as geriatricians.

What is the projected number of older adults in the US by 2030?

By 2030, the projections indicate that there will be 72 million older adults, which is about 20% of the population.

Why is Georgia an interesting state to examine in terms of aging demographics?

Georgia has the fourth fastest-growing population of older adults, largely due to the baby boom generation, making it a significant state to study aging demographics.

How frequently are baby boomers turning 65 each day?

For the next 18 years, every 8 seconds a baby boomer turns 65, which amounts to over 10,000 a day.

What does the life expectancy look like in Japan compared to the United States?

In Japan, the life expectancy is 83 years, whereas in the United States, it is slightly lower at 78.6 years.

What does the term 'Elder speak' refer to and why is it considered inappropriate?

Elder speak refers to the practice of talking to older adults as if they are children. It is considered patronizing and condescending, and it is important to treat older adults with respect as adults.

What is one of the myths about aging that Kiren Emerson dispels in the script?

One myth dispelled is that all older adults are sick and disabled, which is not true as most older adults describe their health as good, very good, or excellent.

How can gerontology be relevant to a career in fashion design?

Gerontology can be relevant to a career in fashion design by considering the needs and preferences of older adults, such as designing clothes that are easy to put on and remove for those with arthritis.

What is the percentage of older adults living in nursing homes at any given time?

Less than 5% of older adults live in nursing homes at any given time, indicating that it is not as common as some might believe.

What is the University of Georgia's Institute of Gerontology offering in terms of educational programs?

The University of Georgia's Institute of Gerontology offers an undergraduate class called 'Aspects of Aging,' a graduate certificate in Gerontology, and a Master's in Public Health with a focus on Aging.