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Aging in Society

People are living longer, and the number of older persons is increasing. These trends are evident in American society, as well as in many countries around the world. In the U.S., life expectancy has increased, from approximately 45 years of age in 1900 to more than 75 years now. At the beginning of the 21st century, one in eight people in the U.S. was over 65. And the age group growing fastest in our society and in many other countries is the "very old," people aged 85 and over.

This growth in our elderly population will continue into the future. By the middle of the 21st century, one in five Americans will be over 65, and there will be 15 to 18 million persons over the age of 85. These growth trends will result in a demand for both citizens and professionals with knowledge and expertise in the subject of aging. The area of Social Gerontology will offer expanded career opportunities for the disciplines and professions who will serve our older population (The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, 2014).

* 9 credits of minor coursework must be at the upper-division level