Gerontology Careers
Dramatic Demographic Changes
- By the year 2050, one out of every seven people in the world will be 65 years old or older.
- Significant to issues of social justice, the number of those over age 65—elders with the highest rates of chronic illness, poverty, and living alone—is expected to quintuple to more than 19 million by 2050.
- The older population worldwide is becoming more ethnically and racially diverse. The percentage of elders of color will grow from the current 17% to over 33% by 2050, faster than the growth rate of the Caucasian population.
- A generation of life has been added to average life expectancy, resulting in more three, four and five generation families.
- For children born in 1900, by age 30, only 21% had grandparents alive; for those born in 2000, by age 30, 76% will have at least one grandparent alive.
Websites with Employment Opportunities in Gerontological Social Work
- AARP
Information on careers at AARP. - Administration on Aging
Job listings at the Administration on Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services. - GSA's Age Work
The Gerontological Society of America's online resource center for jobs in aging. - AGHE's Careers In Aging
Articles and advice on gerontological jobs from the Association for Gerontology in
Higher Education. (AGHE) - AGHE's Experience In Aging
An online clearinghouse for internships and fellowships in aging. - AGS Career Opportunities Caring for Older Adults
The American Geriatric’s Society’s informational page includes FAQs about
Geriatrics Careers and an "Ask me a Question" feature. - ASA’s Career AdvantAge
The American Society on Aging’s source for careers in aging. - Idealist
Nonprofit jobs searchable by job focus and category, including “Seniors and
Retirement Issues.” - NASW JobLink
NASW's search engine for jobs in social work. - Social Work Leadership Institute
The student page for the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education offers networking opportunities.