Marshall University’s Appalachian Center for Healthy Aging is the multidisciplinary study of aging processes and persons from middle age through old age. Gerontology provides difficult and fulfilling professions in a fast-increasing industry that requires a diverse set of talents and will enhance people’s lives. We live in an aging society, where the older population is increasing in absolute numbers as well as in proportion to all other age groups.
For the first time in US history, the older adult population is expected to outweigh children by 2034. Businesses, government agencies, service organizations, educational institutions, and self-employed individuals from all economic sectors are realizing the need for specific knowledge and skills to satisfy the changing demographic’s requirements.