Career Paths in the Field of Aging by David A. Peterson

Professional gerontology is a rapidly growing and constantly changing field. It focuses primarily on applying what is known about growing old in relevant and helpful ways to mitigate or prevent common problems of aging and to enhance the opportunities for personal growth of older people. The roles and service areas are still developing and are so diverse that no precise definition of the field has existed — until now. 

 

This book stands as the first comprehensive analysis of professional gerontology – its history and development, the state of current practice and the directions it is likely to take in the future. Dr. Peterson, Gerontology and Associate Dean of the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California, provides the first comprehensive review of the literature, examines data from a number of important surveys, and looks at the employment experience of gerontology program alumni to define the field and assess the kinds of jobs available. He describes the range of professional positions in the field of aging, from opportunities within established professions, such as allied health or social work, to those in developing areas, such as nursing home or public agency administration, and those in newly emerging areas, such as training, planning , or consulting. Within these broad categories, Dr. Peterson looks at the current and projected personnel supply and demand, appropriate educational backgrounds for prospective professionals, and continuing education programs for those already in the field. He also discusses licensing and credentialing issues and draws a distinction between the discipline and the practice of gerontology.

 

This timely study will help gerontology professionals and those considering a career in the field of aging compare their skills and interests with the needs and opportunities that are currently developing.