"The word was coined by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov in 1903..."
This subfield focuses on the study of aging and the elderly population.
Ageism: Prejudice, discrimination or negative attitudes towards individuals based on their age - typically against the elderly.
Aging: The gradual changes that occur in an individual's body and mind as they grow older.
Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys an individual's cognitive abilities and memory.
Caregiving: The act of providing care and assistance to the elderly or those with disabilities.
Chronic Illness: Long-term illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer that may worsen or cause disabilities as an individual ages.
Dementia: An umbrella term for a decline in cognitive function such as memory, thinking and judgment - commonly seen in the elderly.
Elder Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse or neglect of the elderly, often perpetrated by caretakers or family members.
End-of-Life Care: Care provided to individuals in their final days or weeks of life, may include hospice or palliative care.
Generational Differences: The differences in attitudes, behavior, and values between different generations, such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.
Healthcare and Nutrition: The study of the impact of diet and nutrition on overall health and the aging process.
Healthy Aging: The promotion of healthy lifestyles, socialization and activities to improve quality of life and minimize the effects of aging.
Memory and Cognition: The study of memory loss and cognitive decline in the elderly, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Retirement: The transition from active work to non-working years - includes financial planning and social implications of retirement.
Social Isolation: The lack of social interaction or companionship which can lead to depression, anxiety and other health issues in the elderly.
Social Security and Medicare: Federal programs that provide support and health care to elderly and disabled individuals.
"...from the Greek γέρων (gérōn), meaning 'old man,' and -λογία (-logía), meaning 'study of'."
"The field is distinguished from geriatrics, which is the branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment of existing disease in older adults."
"Gerontologists include researchers and practitioners in the fields of biology, nursing, medicine, criminology, dentistry, social work, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry, sociology, economics, political science, architecture, geography, pharmacy, public health, housing, and anthropology."
"The multidisciplinary nature of gerontology means that there are a number of sub-fields which overlap with gerontology."
"There are policy issues, for example, involved in government planning and the operation of nursing homes, investigating the effects of an aging population on society, and the design of residential spaces for older people..."
"Dr. Lawton, a behavioral psychologist at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center, was among the first to recognize the need for living spaces designed to accommodate the elderly..."
"...especially those with Alzheimer's disease."
"The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology created the first PhD, master's and bachelor's degree programs in gerontology in 1975."
"Gerontology is the study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging."
"Gerontologists include researchers and practitioners in various fields such as biology, nursing, medicine, criminology, dentistry, social work, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry, sociology, economics, political science, architecture, geography, pharmacy, public health, housing, and anthropology."
"Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment of existing disease in older adults."
"As an academic discipline, the field is relatively new."
"...specializes in the treatment of existing disease in older adults."
"...facilitate the development of a sense of place or home."
"...recognize the need for living spaces designed to accommodate the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer's disease."
"There are policy issues involved in government planning and the operation of nursing homes..."
"...investigating the effects of an aging population on society..."
"The word was coined by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov in 1903..."
"The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology created the first PhD, master's and bachelor's degree programs in gerontology in 1975."