Features

The rapid aging of the worlds population will result in many new jobs and career opportunities becoming available. Most of the health and allied professions (e.g. medicine, nursing, dentistry, social work, psychology and counseling, physical therapy, etc .) will offer some type of geriatric specialty. In addition, as the Baby Boomers age, there will be increased opportunity in fields related to health promotion (e.g., nutrition, physical fitness and exercise). The legal professions, in many countries, ar e seeing the emergence of the field of elder law. Educators and people with specialized knowledge (e.g., artists, master gardeners) will have increased opportunity to work with older adults as more and more elderly are interested in life-long or "third age" learning programs. Careers in research and technology (from genetic engineering to appliance design), which take into account the specific needs of the elderly, are likely to expand as are all areas of business and services related to the older population. Who knows, you c ould find the cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, develop a car that will allow older people to drive safely into their 90’s or produce a movie that everyone over 65 wants to see! Whatever your career goals are, knowing more about older adults, and exploring ways to improve their lives makes sense. Consider taking classes about aging processes, read, volunteer in community activities involving the elderly, and take time to talk to the elderly. The more you know about older adults the greater your chance to have a productive and exciting career.