Careers in Professional
Geropsychology
Professional Geropsychology
Synarchy:
A co-ordinating group of organizations in
psychology and aging
January 2013
What Is Geropsychology?
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The study of human aging in
adulthood and the development of
ways to improve quality of life in
older adults (65+ years old).
Involves and interacts with various
fields: cognitive neuroscience,
neurology, medicine, sociology,
social work, economics, humanities,
public policy, human factors.
Why is there a need for
geropsychologists?
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People are living longer than ever;
By 2050, 20% of U.S. population
will be 65 or older. It’s a world-wide
trend;
Currently, there are too few health
workers and researchers who can
work with older adults;
Many exciting and rewarding career
opportunities.
The truth about aging…
What is it like to be old?
Aging Myths ... and Facts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
All older adults have
Alzheimer’s disease
All older adults are
depressed
Psychological
treatment is
ineffective in old age
Most old people live
in nursing homes
Most older adults are
preoccupied with
thoughts of death
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Only 10% aged 65+
have memory problems
Older adults are just as
satisfied with life as
young adults are
Elders benefit from
treatment as much as
young adults do
95% live on their own
in the community
They are most
concerned with staying
independent
Aging Myths ... and Facts (cont’d.)
6.
7.
8.
Older adults are
foolish if interested in
sex
You can’t teach an
old dog new tricks
Only old people are
wise
6.
7.
8.
Sexuality is a normal
part of life for all adults
People can learn at any
age. New learning and
stimulating activities
may stave off memory
problems
People can be wise at
any age, but older folks
are more likely to have
the life experiences
that make a person
wiser – pay attention to
them!
What kind of work do
geropsychologists do?
Where geropsychologists
work…
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Clinics, hospitals, nursing homes
Retirement communities
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Religious organizations
Local, state, federal government
Adult education programs
Business and industry
Professional organizations
Research labs
Careers in geropsychology…
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Neuropsychology;
Cognitive training;
Psychotherapy;
Behavioral Medicine;
Rehabilitation;
Health Promotion;
Law (Adult Protection, Competency);
Business;
Health Research;
Aging Policy and health care reform.
How to become a
geropsychologist?
Does require additional training:
 Ph.D. in psychology, with training in
geropsychology; or post-Ph.D. specialty
training in geropsychology
 Look for graduate programs with
opportunities for working with older
adults.
 Look for clinical psychology internships
with opportunities for working with older
adults
What will I study?
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Normal/healthy aging;
Neuroscience (normal and abnormal
brain aging);
Sociology of aging;
Psychology of Aging.
How do I prepare for graduate
training?
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You can get experience through:
• Working in research settings with
studies on healthy aging, mental health
in late life, cognitive neuroscience in
late life;
• Working and volunteering at senior
centers, residential care facilities, health
centers for seniors, or advocacy groups
like AARP.
Resources for Students
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APA Aging Resources:
• Office on Aging
http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/
• Division 20, Adult Development and Aging
http://apadiv20.phhp.ufl.edu/
• Division 12 Section 2, Clinical Geropsychology
http://geropsych.org/
• Geropsychology: It’s YOUR Future! (fact sheet)
http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/student_fact_sheet.
pdf
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Association for Gerontology in Higher
Education (aging career info)
• http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/
For more information...
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APA Office on Aging
• Coordination point for APA activities
pertaining to aging and geropsychology;
supports the APA Committee on Aging
• American Psychological Association
Public Interest Directorate
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
202/336-6135
202/336-6040 fax
publicinterest@apa.org