Bachelor of Arts - Gerontology

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 Center, an autonomous, community-based, non-profit organization to empower older adults to maintain healthy, independent, active lifestyles. The center conducts research and public education on issues of particular concern to older adults. 

The university is also affiliated with the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Narrative. Students are often invited to be involved in projects undertaken by these centers.

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
• 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.

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