Why Study Aging?

The study of aging is one of the most exciting and relevant topics in modern science. Whether for the entry-level direct service worker, the undergraduate student, or the advanced scientist, Penn State offers programs that give individuals the knowledge they need to make a difference -- in their own lives, in their families, in organizations, communities, and societies.

Advances in the understanding of specific aspects of aging within particular disciplines are at an all time high. For example, in microbiology, physiology, and genetics, changes with aging are at the forefront of biological sciences. In the behavioral and social sciences -- psychology, sociology, and anthropology -- increased understanding of aging and social process is opening up dramatic new possibilities for effective intervention in cognitive functioning, community roles, and productive activity during aging.

Perhaps most important, gerontology has provided an incentive for inter-disciplinary studies, bringing together valuable perspectives from an array of traditional disciplines to address complex scientific and practical problems in the most meaningful ways. While it is common to focus on the problems of aging, it is obvious that the growth of a vigorous aging population demonstrates a high level of success in extending the lifespan and increasing our quality of life. Aging is clearly an area where understanding, and not just good intentions, are essential to effective practice. When designing a system of geriatric long-term care, or developing personnel practices for an aging workforce, reliance on stereotypes or dated information can lead to problems, lost opportunities, and other negative outcomes.

Undergraduate Studies in Gerontology at Penn State

As the population ages, many occupations will require experience and an understanding of aging and older persons. Penn State, through the Gerontology Center, offers several programs of undergraduate studies to the interested student and professional, including:

Intercollege Minor in Gerontology
Adult Development and Aging Services Option
Associate Degree in HDFS, Adult Development and Aging Option
Certificate in Gerontology

Graduate Minor in Gerontology

The graduate minor in Gerontology is an interdisciplinary program consisting of both a core of course work as well as a selection of optional courses in various areas of interest. A faculty committee, representing a diversity of programs at the University, oversees and administers the minor. The minor course of study is developed jointly by the student, the student's academic advisor, and one member of the graduate minor committee. Contact the Gerontology Center for more information regarding the committee membership.

Professional Education

In keeping with the priorities of a major land-grant university, extensive aging-related programs in Continuing Education and Cooperative Extension were developed for practitioners, health care professionals and community service groups. The programs are designed for people who work in a variety of community settings and are interested in work in the field and increasing their knowledge in the area of gerontology.

Gerontology Colloquium

The colloquium series is part of the 1-credit graduate-level class HDFS 590, which is offered each fall and spring semester on most Wednesdays from 12 noon to 1 pm in Room 101 East Health & Human Development, University Park and video conferenced to the College of Medicine at the Hershey Medical Center.

The colloquium series provides a weekly opportunity for faculty, students and members of the community to learn about ongoing research in a wide variety of topical areas. Speakers are chosen both from the many experts who are members of the Penn State faculty as well as visiting scholars from other universities or organizations. Presentations are geared to an informed audience interested in learning how different disciplines approach the study of aging, health and adult development.

John A. Hartford Foundation Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

The Penn State School of Nursing has been selected to receive a John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Award. The prestigious award includes a five-year, $1-million grant that will establish a site at the University for a Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence.

The center will address a nationwide shortage of nursing faculty by supporting the preparation of high-quality geriatric nursing faculty who can teach in areas of greatest need.