It is a time of concern for older adults.
Data from the United Nations shows that by 2050, one in every six people in the world will be over the age of 65, up from one in 11 in 2019. The U.S. Census data shows that by 2030, one in every five citizens will be retirement age. And presently 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day.
Within the age of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to address not only the risk of infection for older adults, but also other health risks – such as isolation – imposed by the pandemic, as well as other intersecting challenges.
“We’re going to need more people with expertise in aging. There’s no way around it,” says Dr. Elise Eifert, who coordinates the graduate program in gerontology at UNC Greensboro.
At UNCG, students can pursue an undergraduate minor in gerontology, as well as fully online post-baccalaureate certificate and online master’s programs – all three of those tracks can help prepare them to meet the needs of older adults and make a visible difference in their quality of life.
Many of UNCG’s gerontology students already work in the healthcare environment, have experienced the strain of the pandemic firsthand, and are working day and night to lessen harmful impacts, in a variety of ways.
Eifert says she’s been impressed with the way current students have pivoted in the exceptional times to initiate and carry out self-directed course projects that improve the lives of older adults within the COVID-19 pandemic era.