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Program Mission
Program Mission
The mission of Southern Illinois University’s Gerontology Programis to provide instruction, promote interdisciplinary research, and offer services that advance an understanding of gerontology. The program seeks to attract and educate students who will become leaders in both academic and applied settings in order to improve the quality of life for older individuals and their families in Illinois, the United States, and the world.
The Gerontology Program facilitates interdisciplinary research in aging and fosters a strong connection with community partners in Southern Illinois to ensure that aging-related knowledge is disseminated throughout Southern Illinois communities.
Program Goals
Program Goals
- To provide a broad based understanding of aging and aging related issues in today’s society.
- To enhance the development of skills needed to work effectively with the older population.
- To promote the delivery of services within an integrated team concept.
- To enhance the marketability of students who desire to work with the older population.
- To promote research designed to enhance the understanding of issues related to aging.
Employment Opportunities with this Certificate
Employment Opportunities with this Certificate
Employment can be found in community-based programs, mental health programs, independent living centers, aging programs, and research facilities. Positions may be found in:
List of Positions in Gerontology
- Social Service
- Home Health Services
- Mental Health Services
- Rehabilitation Services
- Fitness/Recreation Programs
- Therapeutic Activities Programs
- Hospital/Healthcare Facilities
- Senior Community Centers
- Law Offices
- Adult Education Programs
- Governmental Agencies
- Profit/Non-profit Organizations
Careers in aging can be found on-line at Association for Gerontology in Higher Education: http://www.aghe.org/
Why Study Gerontology?
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life.
It includes:
- 1. Study of the physical, mental and social changes in older people as they age
- 2. Investigation of the changes in society resulting from an aging population
- 3. Application of this knowledge to policies and programs
It offers challenging and rewarding careers in an area that is growing rapidly, that needs people with a broad range of skills, and that will improve people’s lives.
We live in an aging society, one in which the older population is growing both in absolute number and in proportion to all other age groups. Businesses, government agencies, service organizations, educational institutions, and self-employed professionals from every economic sector are recognizing the need for specialized knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this changing demography.
People who are interested in this diverse field come from many disciplines, professions, and clinical areas such as social work, health education, recreation, rehabilitation services, kinesiology, nursing, counseling, public policy, long-term care administration, medicine, architecture, psychology. Some people work directly with older persons in a wide variety of programs and services in the community. Others work on behalf of older persons in areas such as advocacy and teaching about aging.