Gerontology is the study of psychological, social, cultural, biological, and cognitive aspects of ageing. It can be understood as the scientific study of old age, particularly problems of the elderly in the process of ageing. This science has evolved as longevity has improved. It is a comprehensive and disciplinary study of ageing and old age. As of 2019, there are over 700 million old people in the world above the age of 65. As the population of older people continues to grow, gerontology becomes even more vital and Gerontology online courses are also becoming popular.
List of 10 Best Gerontology Online Courses and Certifications
Here are some of the best gerontology online courses that an enthusiast should look out for and will be quite helpful to learn.
1. Graduate Certificate in Gerontology- University of Southern California
This course offers a complete and greater understanding of gerontology theory as well as research. It can be taken up by learners interested in or employed in the field related to ageing, even if they previously have or currently are pursuing studies in any other discipline. This course can be taken up either part-time or full time and to enrol, a student should have a minimum of 3 CGPA. The program is divided into 16 units to highlight the special and different areas of the field in detail.
Course Highlights:
- Learn how to utilize and apply the gerontological frameworks to examine ageing and human development
- How to relate the science and social theories of ageing to develop an understanding of inequality and heterogeneity.
- Promotion of the quality of life and importance of a positive social environment for older persons.
- Understand all these in the context of ageing as a natural process.
Course Duration: Self Paced
2. Introduction to Gerontology – University of Arizona
This introductory course is a part of the Accelerated Gerontology Certifications programs offered by The Global Campus. It covers various facets of gerontology and includes aspects of ethics, mental health, illness, social impacts, and cognitive research.
Course Highlights:
- Obtain an overview of the field of gerontology and an introduction to gerontology.
- Learn the major theories, concepts, and principles of gerontology.
- Explore ageism in the United States, and understand current demographic trends in our society.
- Understand old age as a stage of life; know about the health conditions and healthcare concerns of older persons.
- Understand the issues of work, retirement, social support, and family relationships.
- Evaluate the political issues of an ageing society.
- Explore practices, concepts, and other issues of ageing.
Course Duration: Self Paced
3. Certificate in Gerontology
The Professional and Continuing Education wing of the University of Washington offers this online certificate course on gerontology to gain the knowledge and skills needed for working with older adults. It can be pursued at flexible hours by the learner. It shall cover the opportunities and specific challenges involved in supporting older adults. Anyone providing services to the elderly, whether in a personal or professional capacity, can undertake this course to serve them better. This course has 3 modules. Apart from a certificate of completion, you also earn credits.
Course Highlights:
- Understand cultural, financial, and social factors influencing the quality of life of the elderly.
- Learn various theories of the psychology of ageing and old-age behaviour.
- Know about mental health concerns associated with old age, such as anxiety and depression.
- Know the age-associated functional and biological changes, including health impact.
Course Duration: 9 months
4. Gerontology Interdisciplinary Certification – University of Utah
The College of Nursing, under the University of Utah, offers this online certificate course and it ranks fourth on the list of Gerontology online courses. This program is available under both- the Undergraduate program of study as well as the graduate program of study, and learners can select and enrol for the course as per their level of study. This course comes with the flexibility of online courses, thus making it suitable to be pursued by learners at their comfort. Those aspiring to work or already working in the field of ageing can benefit from this course and learn more about the implications of living in an ageing society and the ageing process.
Course Highlights:
- Gain an overall view of the ageing process and behaviour of older adults.
- Examines specific changes common to old individuals as they age.
- Know about the psychological, biological, and social changes they undergo and their experiences.
Course Duration: Self Paced
5. Master’s Certificate in Gerontology- Concordia University, Chicago
Healthcare professionals need to be prepared to serve the unique requirements of ageing people are met by this well-structured course. This certification helps prepare learners with the skills required to address issues related to old age and the process of ageing. With small class sizes and rolling applications every eight weeks, students can take up this course as per their schedule and gain 15 credits. Small class size enables personal attention. This course is structured into modules as follows-
- Perspective in gerontology
- Public policies and ageing
- Diversity in ageing
- Advanced topics in gerontology
- Program management in ageing
- Practicum in gerontology
Course Duration: 8 weeks
6. Certificate in Gerontology- California State University San Marcos
This course delivers the information needed to work with the elderly, including managing and assessing the issues common to ageing, issues related to mental health, and dealing with elderly abuse. This course will equip you with the required skills needed to deal with ageing people. This course has 6 weeks of access and takes 25 hours to complete.
Course Highlights:
- Provide multi-disciplinary education on how to work with or care for older adults.
- To meet the needs of individuals working closely with the older population by providing continuing professional education to gain a broad understanding of this field and to stay updated with emerging trends of behavioural patterns.
- Describe topics in gerontology, including Alzheimer’s disease, healthy ageing, the impact of abuse on mental health, and sleep disorders.
Course Duration: 25 hours
7. Gerontology Capstone – University of Arizona
A part of the Accelerated Gerontology online course offered by The Global Campus, this course is a synthesis of the major perspectives, concepts, and ideas of gerontology. This course is a core component of the health-related courses of the University of Arizona, which aims at exploring how ageing impacts society.
Course Highlights:
- Learn to address complicated challenges associated with old age
- Critically analyze your experience with the elderly and highlight the key areas of their issues
- Integrate the knowledge gained through the program practically
- Harmonize the ideas and concepts gained from the study of gerontology
Course Duration: Self Paced
8. Graduate Certificate in Gerontology – University of Pittsburgh
This graduation certificate in gerontology is eighth on the list of Gerontology online courses and designed to serve people interested to learn about ageing and the ageing process, irrespective of their disciplines. Candidates willing to enrol for this certification must have a bachelor’s degree, from any discipline. However, any other graduation entrance score like LSAT or GRE is not required. It is offered in various terms, but not every course is offered each term.
Course Highlights:
- Acquiring basic knowledge about gerontology and geriatrics and specialized knowledge on ageing.
- Updated knowledge enables evidence-based research to examine ageing.
- Enhanced ability to interact with older adults and their families.
- Learn real-time skills that can be put into daily practice while dealing with the elderly.
Course Duration: Self Paced
9. Gerontology Certificate – Kennesaw State University
This course meets the need FOR THE continual professional education of healthcare professionals working with the elderly. This gerontology certificate covers 11 topics, namely- Introduction to Gerontology, Physiology of Aging, Mental Health and Aging, Healthy Aging, Pain Assessment and Management in the Older Adult, Death and Dying, The Older Woman, Sleep and Aging, Elder Abuse, Aging and Disorders of Communication, Alzheimer’s Disease: Mysteries and Possibilities. This certificate is relevant for registered and licensed nurses, nurse practitioners, assistants, social workers, therapists, administrators, psychologists, personal care assistants, volunteers, physicians, or any other individual currently working with or planning to work with older adults.
Course Duration: 25 hours
10. Short Course on Gerontology – University of South Hampton
This short course can be taken up as an effective way to introduce yourself to the study of ageing. The course is spread into two semesters- semester 1 has 7 modules and semester 2 has 5 modules. This distance learning program provides learners with the flexibility to access online resources and materials at their convenience.
Course Highlights:
- Have a critical understanding of fundamental and theoretical approaches in gerontology, and know their application in the study of ageing.
- Assess policies and programs related to population ageing, welfare, and the quality of life of older individuals, their careers and, their families.
- Knowledge of current gerontological issues in established and emerging nations
- Learn more about the lives of older people, their families, and societies.
- Training for a career in gerontology and applied health and social sciences, as well as professional development.
Course Duration: 12 weeks
