The field and study of Gerontology

The field of gerontology is the systematic study of the health and well-being of the elderly. Study and research in gerontology help us to understand the health of the elderly but also our own. Everyone will benefit from the study of gerontology on social issues. Gerontology helps provide an individual with the opportunity to compose a plan for their future needs as they age. The study of gerontology allows us to look at our beliefs, moral values, and our lifestyle. People that study gerontology do it for the enjoyment of learning about aging, but others have a practical or professional concern.

When legislators, researchers, society, and the local community have an understanding of gerontology policy changes can be made. Making public policy decisions and changes play a significant role in the growth of the elderly population.

According to "What Is Gerontology?" (n.d), the Census the elderly population has grown by 10% since 2006. As the elderly population increase, the demand for professional in this field will be in high demand.

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The study of gerontology provides and understanding on the aging process from middle age to the later years. Gerontology helps us to understand all aspect of aging that includes, the physical, mental, environmental, demographic, and social.

Societal acceptance

Society have experienced changes in the United States and other countries with the aging population.

The elderly population has presented society with challenges that and issues of concern. To meet the challenges of helping the elderly live a healthier, long, active, and independent life, society must rethink of a better approach towards the aging population. The companion of the aging population in today’s society is very different from the younger generation. During the past several decades society have experienced changes and improvements in the well-being of the aging population (Czaja, S. J., & Sharit, J. (2009).

Congress has improved on social security that now includes a cost-of-living increase. The cost-of-living helps to assist the aging population with their retirement income as inflation increases. Researchers are finding new discoveries that are helping the aging population to live a longer, healthier, and active lives. As the aging population continues to improve, society is developing a positive view. Social media play a significant role in the perception of the aging population. Today’s television shows and movies are acknowledging and presenting the elderly in a positive and loving light. According to United States News and World Report (1980), as the aging population continues to be seen in a positive light through social media, reinforces the positive contribution the aging population can contribute.

Aging successfully

As technology continues to advance, the aging population are living a healthier, active, and knowledgeable life. Researchers have found better ways than previous generations through medicine and medical procedures that improve life for the older population. The older population are divided into three roles; some are living the retired life while others remain employed fully or part-time, and others pursue a new career or offer their time volunteering. As the aging population continue to lead an active life by being employed, this will require further changes and implementation of new policies by the government (Czaja & Sharit, 2009).

Overall, the aging population are living longer than previously. As the older population engages in educational training and continue to be employed, it helps improve good health. Study shows that physical activity increase when the older population is employed and living a productive life. The previous aging population experienced and developed illness quicker, and many require more medical care than the younger adults. As society changes and technology advances and the aging population increases, they are living longer.

Conclusion

In closing, according to Zaidi (2014), there is no mystery that our global population is aging. The benefits of aging today is the ability to live longer and healthier. Although, society often struggle to adapt to the aging population there is improvement in acceptance. The study of gerontology provides a vast understanding on the aging process. The aging population has experienced wonderful changes and development in technology, and medicine thus improving life. Social media, television, and movies are sending a clear and positive message on the aging population. It is important to acknowledge the perseverance of technology and the social positive impact on the aging population. Technology gives us hope and to a better future as the aging process continues to improve.

References

1. Berridge, C. (2012). Envisioning a Gerontology-Enriched theory of Care (27): 8-21, doi: 10.1177/0886109912437498.
2. Czaja, S. J., & Sharit, J. (2009). The Bridge. Washington, DC: National Academy of Engineering.
3. Moreira, T., & Palladino, P. (2009). Aging between gerontology and biomedicine. BioSocieties, 4(4), 349-365. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1745855209990305
4. Novak, M. (2009). Issues in aging (2nd edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.
5. What is Gerontology? (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.publichealth.uga.edu.
6. Zaidi, A. (2014, November). Hard evidence: which is the best country to grow old in? The Conversation, ().