Gerontology is the study of the changes that take place in the process of aging, how society defines aging, and how individuals understand their own later years.

DISCOVERING GERONTOLOGY
At one time, talks of aging prompted images of failing health, isolation, and lack of purpose. Today, people are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Studying Gerontology at St. Thomas, you will explore the impact of the way society defines aging and how individuals actually experience and understand their own later years.

St. Thomas is also home to The Third Age Centre, an autonomous, community-based, non-profit organization to empower older adults to maintain healthy, independent, active lifestyles. The centre conducts research and public education on issues of particular concern to older adults. We are also affiliated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Narrative. Students are often invited to be involved in projects undertaken by these centres.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN STUDYING GERONTOLOGY IF...
• You want to understand the process of aging from sociological, psychological, physical, and spiritual perspectives
• You want to learn more about the issues that concern older people

CRITICAL AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
The study of Gerontology will give you academic skills, as well as self-care and self-exploration strategies. You will learn how to conduct interviews with older adults. You will learn how to design recreation and educational programs for older adults. You will learn critical thinking as you explore controversial and ethical issues in long-term care, end of life, work life, as well as images in the media and popular culture.

Graduates from a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in Gerontology move in to a variety of careers that involve people—many involving vulnerable groups such as frail older individuals, that is, those facing illness or other difficult circumstances. Popular careers include social work, government policy, research, medicine, nursing, senior centre administration, pastoral care, recreation therapy, private enterprise, occupational therapy, and more.