Gerontology refers to the study of aging, and also includes adult development. The existence of large numbers of individuals over the age of 65 is unprecedented in the history of humankind. In the next ten years, the number of older adults is expected to double in developed countries, and quadruple in the developing world. This growth will pose major challenges for societies in addressing the health, economic, and social needs of this population.
To address these challenges, students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of aging will need to take a multidisciplinary approach to solving these challenges, which will require an understanding of biological, psychological, sociocultural, and design and engineering factors. Accordingly, we have designed a multidisciplinary minor, drawing upon faculty across campus, which is tailored to individual student needs.