| Gerontology is the study of the changes
in the mind and body that occur during the ageing process and the problems
and challenges
associated with them.
Compare gerontology with the related area of geriatrics
(which involves study of the disorders that occur in
old
age
and
the
care of
aged persons affected by them).
Researchers in gerontology generally investigate
aspects of the body's changes in the later stages of ageing (approx.
post-60, though there is no formally defined cut-off age from which gerontology applies)
in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, low vision rehabilitation, aging
and disability, and aging and health disparities.
Humans age biologically, psychologically,
and sociologically, and the "aging experience" is determined
by the combination of all of these factors. The study of gerontology therefore
includes some medical areas, and also some sociological aspects. It
also has important political implications. Associated Terms:
* _ A specialist
in the field of gerontology is called a gerontologist.
* _ The adjective used
to refer to gerontology is
"gerontological", though this term is not often
used.
Links to other relevant areas on this website include:
* _ Glossary Section for
General
Medical Terms.
This part of the IvyRose Holistic Resources Glossary is included as a
study-aid for students following first-level courses in human biology,
medicine, nursing, natural or holistic therapies, and associated theoretical
courses - who are required recognise and understand medical terms such
as those of the disciplines within medicine. |
