Because the U.S. population is aging rapidly, gerontology is a word we’re going to hear more often. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, there were 39.6 million people 65 or older in the United States in 2009, about 12.9 percent of the population. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older Americans, which will make up 19 percent of the population.
“Quite a few people are going to be in fields where they are working with or volunteering with the elderly, and there will be a strong need to understand more about aging, particularly for those working in health care and social services,” said Patsy Matthews, manager for the Center for Active Retirement Education at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.
To help meet that need, the college has developed two gerontology certificate programs: professional development in gerontology and applied management in gerontology.
“The applied management in gerontology certificate program is targeted to folks already working with the elderly, such as nursing assistants, social workers, case managers or volunteer coordinators for senior service programs. It’s also helpful for anyone considering working in these fields,” said instructor Dee Cantrell.
The program, which starts each fall, requires meeting only one day a month for five months, so working professionals can attend. The cost is $800.
“We did a survey and found that more employers wanted management training for people working in these fields,” Matthews said. “Good managers who can inspire their team can increase staff efficiencies and retention.”
The program aims to help managers improve their performance and to assist future managers prepare for promotion. Classes cover how to hire and lead in a multigenerational workplace; how to coach for performance excellence; how to conduct performance reviews and give recognition; and how to manage change and transition. Participants gain public speaking/presentation and meeting facilitating skills, as well as learning how to manage conflict and lead for better customer service.
“We use scenarios based on our students’ workplace situations and they complete projects that are immediately applicable to their jobs,” Cantrell said.
Often overworked and understaffed, managers in this field have very little time to assess their own communication styles, she said.
“We give each participant a DISC assessment, which gives them a lot of insight into how they come across to others and how important communication is to impacting the bottom line in a business,” Cantrell said. “It really feels good to be able to help people who are making such a difference in others’ lives.”
The professional development in gerontology certificate also starts in the fall, once a month for nine months, for a cost of $650. There are scholarships available.
“Our format is multidisciplinary. We bring in academics, practitioners and gerontology professionals to talk about the process of aging,” said Matthews, an instructor.
“We’ll look at the physical changes, as well as the psychological changes and talk about dementia, Alzheimer’s [disease] and depression,” she said. “We’ll also discuss the sociological theories of how people age.”
The program examines the politics of aging and the revolution occurring in the United States and the rest of the world as the average age of the population rises. The class also will cover transportation issues, housing issues, services, care giving and the changing concept of work and retirement as it relates to older adults.
“One of our students is an attorney who wants to learn more about his clients, because he specializes in legal issues with the elderly,” Matthews said.
“Each participant will do a research paper that relates to his job and interest. The knowledge from this class will enhance the job experience of people in a variety of careers.”
To learn more, call Patsy Matthews (770-420-4423) or go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.
Other Georgia colleges and universities offer gerontology education and resources. The Gerontology Institute at Georgia State University has graduated more than 500 students from its master’s degree, graduate certificate and undergraduate certificate programs in the last 30 years. For information, send e-mail to gerontology@gsu.edu or call 404-413-5210.
The application deadline for spring admission to the graduate certificate in gerontology for students who have degrees is Nov. 15. To see the application process, go to www.cas.gsu.edu/grad_admission.html.
The University of Georgia/College of Public Health’s Institute of Gerontology offers a graduate certificate in gerontology, which is open to degree and nondegree students. For information, call 706-425-3222 or go to www.geron.uga.edu.
Clayton State University offers a certificate in gerontology online. Go to www.ed2go.com/clayton.online_courses.html.
Kaplan University has a geriatric care management certificate online. Go to http://online.kaplanuniversity.edu or call 866-318-5871.
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