Bowling Green State University Gerontology Program

Gerontology is the scientific study of the biological, psychological, and sociological phenomena associated with aging and old age. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population. The phrase “graying of America” is appropriate when one considers that Baby Boomers, the cohort made up of individuals born between 1946 and 1964, began to turn 65 starting January 2011. The demographic change continues as up to 10,000 Baby Boomers turn age 65 each day for the next 18 years. It is estimated that in 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 years of age or older. Additionally, the number of individuals over the age of 85 continues to increase and is projected to reach close to 21 million by the year 2030. By 2050, it is projected that the U.S. may have as many people over the age of 85 as the current populations of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago combined. These dramatic trends demand societal attention to the challenges and opportunities of an aging population. As a result of these demographic changes, the expected shift in the population as baby Boomers reach old age have altered the economic, social, and political roles occupied by older adults continuing to bring about changes in our society as a whole. With these trends in mind, BGSU instituted one of the first bachelor's degrees in gerontology in the country. In 2012, BGSU instituted a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Gerontology. BGSU’s Gerontology program provides a specialization track in Long Term Care Administration. It is 1 of 15 undergraduate programs and 1 of 2 graduate programs accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) providing students with increased licensure portability. BGSU has been preparing graduates for positions in agencies that administer and deliver services for older adults including senior centers, social service, hospice, home health, and nursing homes.