Career opportunities for students interested in psychology and aging are
expanding! (see gradPSYCH, 2005).  People 65 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. By 2030 older adults will account for 20% of our nation's people, up from 13% today (DHHS, 2001). And, although there is a broad range of exciting opportunities in psychological research and practice focusing on older adults, there are not enough psychologists to keep pace with the increasing demand.

Geropsychology is the field within psychology devoted to the study of
aging and the provision of clinical services for older adults. As with
younger adults, a variety of mental health disorders, such as anxiety
and depression, affect older adults. In fact, older adults have the
highest rates of suicide of any age group in the U.S., and depression
is its foremost risk factor. In addition, stressors common in late life
such as loss of loved ones, relocation, medical conditions, caregiving
demands, change in employment status, and poverty significantly
affect the health and independence of older adults. Geropsychologists
address these and other issues as diverse as family relationships,
memory, sexuality, mental capacity assessment, health promotion
and substance abuse.

Through their research, psychologists have contributed significantly
to the understanding and treatment of the major health concerns of
our time: heart disease, cancer, mental disorders, dementia, chronic
pain and arthritis, among others. Geropsychologists are at the forefront
of research on questions related to health and aging. Why are most
older adults successful in adapting to the stressors of late life while
others become suicidal? Why do most older adults remain mentally
sharp while others have memory problems? Research on the aging
brain provides clues to the risks and protective factors for mental
disorders relevant to individuals across the life span.

It is an exciting time for geropsychology! In 2002, Congress for the
first time approved specific funding for psychology education and
training programs. In 2003 the Guidelines for Psychological Practice
with Older Adults became official policy of the American Psychological
Association (APA). It's a time of growth for geropsychology! The number of older adults is growing, there is a growing understanding and support for efforts to address their mental and behavioral health needs, and career opportunities in psychology and aging are growing.

Check out the web-based information below to see if Geropsychology
is a profession YOU might like to grow along with!!

To learn more about education and training opportunities in
geropsychology:

APA's Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) has a Guide to Graduate Study in the Psychology of Adult Development and Aging provides information on graduate programs offering specialization in adult
development and aging. Sample syllabi for undergraduate and
graduate adult development and aging courses, and information on
student award competitions are also available.
http://apadiv20.phhp.ufl.edu/

The Department of Veteran's Affairs Associated Health Education Programs provide training to over 32,000 students in the health professions each year, including psychologists. Information is available on a range of educational opportunities offered including those in geropsychology, chronic mental illness, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, dementia and substance abuse, and VA jobs in these areas.
http://www.va.gov/oaa/AHE_default.asp

To learn more about research opportunities in geropsychology:

The Edward R. Roybal Centers for Research on Applied Gerontology
conduct research that can be applied to the problems facing older
persons. Research is being conducted in areas such as preventing
frailty by exercise and strength training, improving driving ability
of older drivers, and providing peer-support for Alzheimer's caregivers.
http://www.applied-gerontology.org/cag_ld.cfm

The VA Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC) generate new knowledge about the causes and treatments of mental disorders and use this information to enhance the quality of veterans' lives and their recovery from mental disorders.
http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/national-mirecc-overview.shtml

A Special Fellowship Program in Advanced Psychiatry and Psychology
that trains psychologists and psychiatrists to become leading clinical
researchers in mental health priority areas is also available.
http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/MIRECC-fellowship.shtml

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) promotes the scientific
study of aging. Gerontologists study the aging processes and individuals
as they grow from middle age through late life. Gerontologists come from
a variety of disciplines. The Behavioral and Social Sciences Section of GSA is composed of behavioral and social scientists from many disciplinary backgrounds, including psychology, anthropology, economics, history, political science and sociology.
http://www.geron.org

To learn more about practice opportunities in geropsychology:

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides a variety of mental and
behavioral health services for older adults, and a wealth of practice and
training opportunities in geropsychology. An overview of these programs,
including Geriatric Medicine, Research and Evaluation, Home and Based
Community-Based Long-Term Care, Homeless Programs and Hospice and Palliative Care, and Alzheimer dementia is available.
http://www1.va.gov/GeriatricsSHG/page.cfm?pg=3

The Association of VA Psychological Leaders has fact sheets that describe the range of work psychologists do at the VA in areas such as anxiety, substance abuse, cancer, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
http://www.avapl.org/factsheets.html

Psychologists In Long Term Care is a network of psychologists who
provide mental health services in long-term care settings, including
skilled nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities,
and congregate housing. Learn about the types of services psychologists
provide in long- term care settings and view publications related to this
area of practice.
http://www.wvu.edu/~pltc

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education's Careers in Aging
website has information on different career tracks in gerontology and
associated academic programs. Topics addressed include: Why study
aging and older persons? How do you become a professional in aging?
What jobs and careers are available?
http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/index.html

The Gerontological Society of America's AgeWork Career Center has
a job bank of careers in aging through which one can view current
openings and apply for positions online.
http://www.geron.org/agework/index.html

To learn more about the skills and activities of psychologists who
work with older adults:

APA's Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults

To learn more about education and training in all areas of psychology
from undergraduate through the postdoctoral years:

The American Psychological Association offers student web pages with
information on careers in psychology, resources for undergraduate
students, getting into graduate school, postdoctoral training information,
and scholarships, grants and funding opportunities.
http://www.apa.org/students/

The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) is comprised of over 40,000 graduate psychology students. APAGS develops, endorses and disseminates information to students about relevant education and training issues, legislative positions and developments, and future directions or changes in the field. APAGS creates and supports opportunities for students through scholarships and awards, association advocacy work, and other development activities.
http://www.apa.org/apags/about.html

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers
(APPIC) promotes quality training in professional psychology and
provides assistance in matching students with training programs.
Information on training resources for graduate and postdoctoral
students, and web links to key organizations are provided.
http://www.appic.org/index.html

For additional information on psychology and aging:

The APA Office on Aging in the APA Public Interest Directorate serves
as the coordination point for the association's activities pertaining to
aging. It is an information and referral resource that strives to bring
psychological knowledge to bear on discussions regarding matters
that affect older adults and their families. Learn more by visiting our
website.
http://www.apa.org/pi/aging
or by calling
202-336-6046.

The printing and distribution of this student fact sheet and poster is
made possible by the generous support of The Retirement
Research Foundation

APA Office on Aging
August 2004

Division 12, Section 2 Student Listserv is intended for interaction and discussion among student members.  This is a great opportunity to network with peers, stimulate discussion, or ask questions regarding training or other issues.  This list is open to all student members, and also to those who simply wish to learn more about student membership in the division.  You can now sign up online!