1. Age Wave Surfing Tips
Locate Your G. P. S.
By: Urrikka Woods-Scott

2. What do you mean by G. P. S.?
G – gerontology
P - position
&
S - sector

3. Locate Your G. P. S.

Is Aging the field for you?

Why is it important to study aging?

What is Gerontology?

What is a Gerontologist?

What types of jobs are available in
Gerontology?

How do I get involved in the field while a
student and after graduation?

4. Populations are aging worldwide. People are living longer, and the number of
older persons is increasing. These trends are evident in American society, as well
as in many countries around the world.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 78 million Americans are
represented by “Baby Boom” generation (born between 1946 and 1964) the first
of which will reach age 65 in 2011. By 2030, one of every five U.S. citizens will be
over the age of 65. This changing demographic is not unique to the United States.
By 2050 there will be more individuals worldwide over the age of 60 than under
the age of 15 for the first time in human history. And the age group growing
fastest in our society and in many other countries is the "very old," people aged 85
and over. The growth of the elderly population will continue into the future .
Aging: Everybody is doing it !

5.  Gerontology is the study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow
from middle age through later life. It includes:
◦ the study of physical, mental, and social changes in older people as they age
◦ the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our aging
population
◦ the application of this knowledge to policies and programs.
 As a result of the multidisciplinary focus of gerontology, professionals from
diverse fields call themselves "gerontologists"
 Aging is a multidisciplinary field. This means that the study of aging
combines or integrates information from several separate areas of study.
Biology, sociology, and psychology are the "core" or basic areas, along with
content from many other areas of study such as public policy, humanities, and
economics.

6. Gerontologists work in/as…
 Advocate
 Audiologist
 Architect
 Certified Geriatric Pharmacist
 Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists
 Clinical Geropsychologist
 Certified Senior Advisor
 Geriatric Care Manager
 Elder Law Attorney
 Geriatrician
 Human Factors Engineer
 Geriatric Nurse
 Healthcare Interior Designer
 Geriatric Social Worker
 Hospitality Services & Tourism
 Health Educator
 Marketing & Sales
 Long-term Care Facility Administrator
 Strategic Policy Advisor
 Nutritonist/Dietician
 Theatre Arts/Film/TV
Transportation~ Livable
Communities/Senior Mobility  And Many More…

7. Get Involved with Aging!
 American Public Health Association-
Gerontological Health Section
www.apha.org
 American Society on Aging
www.asaging.org
 Association for Gerontology in Higher
Education www.aghe.org
 Join Professional &
 Gerontological Society of America Student Organizations in
www.geron.org
Aging.

Sigma Phi Omega Honor Society
www.sigmaphiomega.org

8. Career Coaching & Mapping Guide
I See Old People: Why a Career in Aging is the
Wave of the Future and How to Set Your Sail
Know Thyself: How to Identify Your Expertise and
Pick the Right Surfboard
Build Your Personal Brand of Surfboards
It’s Alive! Design Your Franken-Career
Is This It?
Resources for Students & Emerging Professionals
www.agewavesurfers.com

9. For More Information
Urrikka Woods-Scott
Phone: 301-768-1847
Email: Urrikka@agewavesurfers.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UBWSolutions
LinkedIn: http://
www.linkedin.com/pub/urrikka-woods-scott
Twitter Handle: @AgeWaveSurfer
Twitter trending topic: #agewavesurfers

10. For More Information
Urrikka Woods-Scott
Phone: 301-768-1847
Email: Urrikka@agewavesurfers.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UBWSolutions
LinkedIn: http://
www.linkedin.com/pub/urrikka-woods-scott
Twitter Handle: @AgeWaveSurfer
Twitter trending topic: #agewavesurfers