10/08/2026

Voices from Social Workers in the Field: Why Should Students Study Gerontology?

The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education

Daniel J. Van Dussen, OAGE President, Youngstown State University; Jennifer Kinney, OAGE Vice President, Miami University; Olivia Ash, OAGE Intern, Miami University; and Yvonne Fuhara, OAGE Board Member, Bowling Green State University

At the 2024 O4a conference in Columbus, an activity at the OAGE table asked attendees to jot down their thoughts about why students should study gerontology. This was not systematic research, but it allowed us to get a “snapshot” of our colleagues’ thoughts. Their verbatim responses are organized below. Most of this audience were social workers. This provides an excellent insider view on the importance and richness of studying aging.

Aging as a (Universal) Process

• Be aware of unique issues of older adults
  Both specialized knowledge and compassionate care are needed to help older adults with the unique challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.
• Aging is our future
  Everyone ages and gaining insight into gerontological studies can help you further support both older adults and yourself.

Growth

• Increased need for education and services for a rapidly growing population
  The older adult population is rapidly growing and due to this, there is an increased demand for trained professionals to address the needs of older adults.
• The older adult population is growing rapidly, we need you
  As a social worker, you can play a key role in the lives of older adults and ensure they are not left behind.

Occupation

• Job security: people will continue to live longer, knowledge to learn life skills, compassion
  Since people are living longer, there is an increased demand for professionals who can help aging adults navigate their changing lives.
• To advocate for our aging population to age in place in their home and community
  With your unique skill set as a social worker, you can help older adults age in place, advocate for their needs, and provide community-based support.

Academic Training in Gerontology

• Gerontology/aging intersects every industry!
  Gerontology intersects with nearly every industry and as a social worker, your skills will be very valuable in this field.
• Gerontology studies will allow us to more effectively interact and communicate with a valuable generation of people
  Studying gerontology can help you engage with older adults more effectively which can build trust and understanding through an intergenerational lens.

Compassion, Empathy, & Understanding

Personal

• Better understanding of your parents & society
  Understanding aging enhances your relationships with your own family members, including parents and grandparents, while deepening your awareness of societal dynamics.
• Culture competence and new ideas
  Gerontology can open your mind to being more sensitive in the aspect of diverse aging and cultural experiences.

Empathy

• Makes you a caring and empathetic person
  Studying gerontology can lead to heightened emotional intelligence (EQ) which can make you a more caring, patient, and effective social worker.
• Older adults can feel forgotten
  As people age, they slowly lose connections over time. As a social worker working with older adults, you can provide this population with a much-needed connection and help restore their sense of belonging.

Empowerment

• Aging is cool; everyone is doing it!
  Aging is a natural part of life and being part of the movement to reframe aging can be both exciting and rewarding!
• To help improve the well-being of people as they age
  Social work and gerontology share a common goal: improving well-being. By specializing in aging, you expand your ability to change lives, now and into the future.

Printable Resource

View and print OAGE’s two-page infographic: Why Study Aging? Voices from the Field (PDF)