What is Gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of the process of aging and the problems and attitudes associated with older persons in our society and other cultures. It is the study of a wide variety of political, sociological, philosophical, and psychological theories, issues, and programs associated with the elderly population.

The Director of Gerontology has founded two chapters of the National Caucas on Black Aged (Wilmington, Delaware), and on the campus of Morgan State University. The student body of the Social/Geriatic Program is intergenerational, international and intercultural. We have students from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Trinidad, United States, Canada, and Haiti. Our youngest student is nineteen and the oldest eighty years old.

Curricula

• Geriatric Nursing Assistant (75 plus hours)
• Undergraduate Gerontology Minor (20 credits)
• Graduate Courses including Internships(2) (18 credits)

Affiliated Groups

1. Morgan Chapter, National Caucus on Black Aged, Inc. (NCBA)
2. Morgan Institute for Learning in Retirement (MILR)
3. Morgan Time Dollar Volunteer Exchange Social Services Program (with Howard University)
4. SWAP Program with the churches

The Gerontology program is best known for:

• Annual Conferences on Aging (1980-1990)
• Four National Demonstration Programs
  1. Diabetes/Hypertension Prevention Program (with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University)
  2. Health Education Prevention Program
  3. Time Dollar Program with Howard University, Center on Aging
  4. Transportation for the Elderly
• Being the Headquarters for a national Gerontologist Organization (AGHD/HBCU, 1989-1990). (Director was president of the organization).

The Gerontology Program's present research portfolio consists of studies relating to:

• Coordination of transportation for the elderly and disabled
• Medication Misuse
• Characteristics of the Oldest Old in Maryland
• Institute for the Study of Older Black Male

(Funding is needed for all of these projects.)