Study of aging brings older students back to class

Gerontology major attracts Baby Boomers to CSUS and is useful tool for all students’ career plans

Many returning students are turning to gerontology studies; of the 35 students enrolled in spring semester 1999, 17 of the students were over 40 years of age.

The aging of the Baby Boomers and their parents has brought about situations and problems for which people are seeking answers., according to Cheryl Osborne, director of the department of gerontology. The department at California State University Sacramento offers some solutions through its course of study focusing on aging from the physical, psychological, social, gender/cultural and spiritual perspectives.

“Most of our nation doesn’t want to admit we are aging, but more and more people are having to deal with all of us coming of age and with our parents, so that aging is no longer such a dirty word,” according to Osborne. “A colleague commented to me that it’s sexy now to be aging.”

Older returning students take classes within the major because they have been in high pressure or high-tech jobs and now want human interaction. These students want to contribute to the world and society through service or advocation, the director said.

“Our oldest graduate was in her 60s and the youngest about 22, with everything in between,” said Osborne.

Many CSUS students are combining gerontology with another major or minor in order to prepare themselves for dealing with the fastest-growing population group in America.

Knowledge gained in this field can be applied to a variety of careers, including business, financial planning, research, and nutrition. A gerontology minor works well with any major on campus because almost everything will have students working with older adults. Graduates can find employment opportunities with the State of California working at the Department of Aging, Health and Human Services, the Legislature, or the Commission on Aging. Graduates can also combine the degree with interests in other areas; for example, a graduate with a physical education major and a gerontology minor is currently the qualifications for an activities director at a retirement community, according to Osborne.

The gerontology program has offered a minor and a certificate since the 1970s, and a Bachelor of Science degree since 1991. Graduate courses are also available, and the department is anticipating implementation of a graduate certificate in gerontology.

“We also have courses which answer whatever questions you might have had about Grandma,” said Osborne.

For students who want this information, the course catalogue allows a student to gain general education credit for area D by taking Gerontology 1, Issue of Aging in America. Nursing 163, Holistic Approach to Aging, also fulfills area E and advanced study requirements. Classes are held both in the daytime and evening.

The gerontology department is currently working with KXPR/KXJZ in applying for a grant which will provide funding for a community service project to present regular programs on aging issues. They plan to co-sponsor workshops and to set up a clearinghouse for information through a gerontology Web site providing information about aging, as well.

“There are a lot of new people in the program,” according to David Mayer, president of the Gero Student Association Club. “It’s overflowing with new blood and enthusiasm which is starting to trickle into the club.”

Meetings of the Gero Student Association Club will be held Nov. 2, 4 to 6 p.m., in Room 142 of Sequoia Hall, and Dec. 7, 4 to 6 p.m., in the University Union, Orchard Room 1.

Mayer explains the purpose of the club is to provide an avenue for the voice of future gerontologists to educate the CSU community and Sacramento as to what gerontology really is.

“It’s not a study of the elderly; it’s a study of aging, which we are all doing,” Mayer said.