Gerontology Institute

Of all the College’s interdisciplinary programs, the study of gerontology is, to date, the most truly interdisciplinary. Currently the College offers more than 20 gerontology courses: a core set of courses that are taught within the institute itself and a more discipline-specific set of courses that are taught within the five schools. Reflecting the field’s sweeping nature, courses range from Creative Musical Experience with Older Adults to Segmenting Mature Markets, and students from any school can elect to minor in gerontology. One has only to look at U.S. Census Bureau statistics to understand why the field is already popular and growing in popularity: There are currently an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in the United States, accounting for 13 percent of the total population. That number is expected to double in 30 years. It is not surprising, therefore, that the field of gerontology is finding applications within every school on campus.

The Gerontology Institute, under the direction of John Krout (photo, right), was formed in 1992, and in less than a decade it has steadily increased both its course listings and student enrollment. It also offers numerous workshops to health professionals, bringing in participants from around the region. This past March the New York State Education Department approved a B.S. and a B.A. degree in gerontology at Ithaca College.

One of the institute’s most attractive outreach programs is its intergenerational partnership with Longview. Every semester approximately 250 students and 25 faculty members participate in activities at the facility, either as part of their coursework or simply as volunteers. Physical therapy students work with residents on maintaining balance, communications students teach residents the fundamentals of photography, and there’s an intergenerational choir. On the flip side, Longview residents often contribute an unusual perspective to Ithaca class discussions. "What younger people don’t realize is how much they have in common with older people," says Krout. "Both are told they are bad drivers. Both are told that they shouldn’t have sex. Both are marginalized by society in terms of social roles and power." So what better way to come together and learn from each other than in such educational settings?

Gerontology’s attainment of degree status is an encouraging development for the interdisciplinary programs as a whole. It presents a new slate of academic options for IC students, allowing them to major in a discipline outside of H&S and the four professional schools while still graduating with an Ithaca College degree. Krout predicts that in the beginning, at least, gerontology will attract students in the Exploratory Program or will attract students who are looking to switch majors. Since this is only the beginning of the degree offering, enrollment is still low --- only 4 students in fall 2001 --- but the institute hopes to eventually welcome 10–15 new majors a year.

"Because of its very nature, the field of gerontology pulls people together," says Krout. "We want to capture that element of interdisciplinarity and expose our students to every aspect in the study of aging and older adults --- from the cellular level to the spiritual level."