About Gerontology

What is Gerontology?


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While gerontology can be described as either 'the study of aging' or 'the scientific study of old age,' a more complete definition is needed. Contemporary gerontology includes all of the following:

  • Scientific studies of processes associated with aging;
  • Scientific studies of mature and older adults;
  • Studies from the perspective of the humanities (e.g., history, philosophy, literature); and
  • Applications of knowledge for the benefit of mature and older adults."

Gerontology may be distinguished from geriatrics by its non-medical emphasis. Thus, "[g]eriatrics is the study of the medical aspects of old age and the application of knowledge related to the biological, biomedical, behavioral, and social aspects of aging to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of older persons."

Maddox, G. L. (Ed.). (1995). The encyclopedia of aging: A comprehensive resource in gerontology and geriatrics (2nd ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co.

Mission Statement

 The University of Georgia Institute of Gerontology is the hub for coordinating and conducting The University of Georgia's education, research, and outreach services associated with the study of aging and the aged.

History

 The University of Georgia Institute of Gerontology coordinates and promotes multi- and inter-disciplinary aging research, training, and outreach at The University of Georgia. With institutional roots dating back to 1965, The University of Georgia is proud to have been at the vanguard of formally supported gerontological research and training opportunities in the United States. With an impressive and growing history of noteworthy accomplishments, the UGA Institute of Gerontology provides a broad array of programs and resources to support specialized graduate and post-doctoral training opportunities in gerontology, an undergraduate aging studies program for honors students, distance education of basic foundational gerontology courses, collaborative basic and applied aging research, faculty development, and consultation on most facets of aging phenomena to public and private professional and service organizations in aging charged with creating, influencing, or implementing aging policies.

In July 1965, University President O.C. Aderhold appointed Dr. Robert P. Wray as the chairman of a Multi-Departmental Council on Gerontology. The council consisted of twelve members representing a diversity of institutes, departments, schools, and colleges across the University. Dr. Wray's position in gerontology was jointly supported by the School of Social Work and the Center for Continuing Education.

Over the next 20 years, gerontology flourished under the directorships of Dr. Wray, Dr. David Levine, Dr. James Thorson, and Dr. James Montgomery. The current Director of the Institute of Gerontology and Chair of the Faculty of Gerontology, Dr. Leonard W. Poon, joined the University in 1985. The Institute joined the College of Public Health in July of 2005. The College was established to expand the availability of affordable public health education and training in Georgia and to increase public health expertise throughout the Southeast.

Since 1965, the initial 12 member University Council on Gerontology has evolved and grown. Currently known as the Faculty of Gerontology, its 45 UGA faculty members represent various institutes, departments, schools, and colleges across the University. In addition, 7 nationally and internationally known experts in the field of gerontology hold appointments at the Institute of Gerontology as Research Scientists.



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