gerontologin

Gerontologin is the feminine form of Gerontologe in German and designates a professional who specializes in gerontology—the interdisciplinary study of aging and older people. A gerontologin may conduct research, teach, or work in policy, program development, or clinical support, focusing on the biological, psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging. The corresponding masculine form is Gerontologe, and together they describe professionals in the field.

Education and training generally occur through university programs in gerontology or related fields such as psychology, sociology, biology, public health, or nursing. A bachelor’s degree may lead to entry-level roles, while master’s or doctoral degrees are common for research, academic, or high-level policy work. Certification is not standardized nationwide, and career paths vary by country. Gerontologinnen work in universities, research institutes, hospitals, long-term care organizations, government agencies, non-profits, and community services.

The scope of work includes aging research on health and functioning, cognition, social participation, and caregiving; evaluation and development of aging services and policies; and program design to support independence and quality of life for older adults. They collaborate with geriatricians, social workers, nurses, and policymakers. The field addresses demographic aging, elder care, accessibility, elder abuse prevention, and ethical issues in aging and end-of-life care, contributing to improved outcomes and dignity for older populations.