Gerontology
Gerontology is a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding human functioning in the later years of life.
Courses draw upon the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, which reflect the complex environments in which we live and age. Through courses and internships, you will become aware of the issues facing our growing aging population.
Open to undergraduate students of all majors interested in gaining experience working with, and for, older adults.
National academic honor and professional society in gerontology recognizes the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging, and of the professional aging service personnel.
Community Partnerships
Take classes, provide service, and get involved in the off-campus community with older adults as classmates. Experience intergenerational learning, service-learning, and civic engagement through the partnerships explained below.
St. John’s Collaborative for Intergenerational Learning (SCIL)
The Gerontology Program, along with The College at Brockport and St. John’s Senior Living Communities, is a founding member of the St. John’s Collaborative for Intergenerational Learning (SCIL).
- SCIL strives to understand, and build upon, the experiences and strengths of all students, elders, and community partners.
- Its mission is to create community integration, leading to meaningful relationships and exchanges between academia, St. John’s, and aging-services providers to serve the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional wants, and needs, of older adults.
- SCIL provides a reciprocal learning experience that encourages participants to become better citizens through service to the community and each other.
St. John's Spring 2016 newsletter article about its win-win partnership with Nazareth.
St. John’s Senior Living Communities
- Since 2009, students from Nazareth College have been afforded the opportunity to complete their gerontology-based coursework (Adulthood and Late Life, Issues in Aging, Aging and Community Service) off-campus at various St. John’s Senior Living Communities.
- Students learn about aging directly from the individuals experiencing it, for each of these classes are attended by residents who are active participations and contributors in the learning process.
- Gaining this first-hand knowledge around aging is critical to the preparation of our students, not only academically, but as responsible and engaged members of the larger community.
