People are living longer compared to past generations, which is creating a growing need for careers in providing care for older Americans, said a professor in the U Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program.
"Some people call it an age wave, and it's only going to get bigger and bigger," said Scott Wright, director and professor with the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program. "We need to get people to meet that challenge."
The U and other universities nationwide will host the annual Careers in Aging Week from April 14 to April 18 in an attempt to encourage students of all majors to consider careers in gerontology.
The gerontology program plans to pass out information throughout Wednesday next to the Union food court. The event continues April 17 in the Health Sciences Education Building with a special panel presentation on career opportunities in the field.
The program hopes to attract students from all majors and disciplines because "aging intersects with every field you can imagine," Wright said.
As many Fortune 500 corporations look for child care, elder care is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas for employment in the nation.
"Businesses and corporations look for elder care specialists more and more," Wright said. "Companies don't want employees stressed out with elder care and child care."
Careers in aging include not only the private sector, but national, state and local governments and the health field, he said.
c.mayorga@chronicle.utah.edu
