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About Our Department

History

Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Faculty of Health Sciences, was established as the School of Health Sciences by the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 25.04.2013 and numbered 2013/4459. With the Presidential decree dated April 18, 2019, and numbered 2019/968, it was decided to close the School of Health Sciences and establish the Faculty of Health Sciences. Within our faculty, the Department of Gerontology was established. The Department of Gerontology is located in the Health Sciences Faculty building on the Karacaoğlan Campus. Our students have easy access to various facilities within the campus, including the library, dining hall, cafeteria, and both indoor and outdoor sports areas.

Gerontology Department

Changes in population mobility worldwide and in our country have led to a decrease in the young population and an increase in the older adult population. Additionally, the shift from a traditional family structure to a nuclear family structure in our country has created a gap in older adult care services, which is a field within social services. In this area, there is a need for professionals who can provide direct care to older adults and address their needs from both health and social service perspectives. Therefore, the primary aim of the program is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values related to care services, enabling them to become competent health professionals capable of implementing and developing older adult care services in public, private, and non-governmental organizations. Considering the social issues brought about by migrations, wars, and the coexistence of different life circumstances, the field of Gerontology, which still has a relatively insufficient number of personnel in our country, offers a broad range of employment opportunities. 

Purpose of the Department

The aim of the Gerontology Program is to train healthcare professionals who will hold the title of "Gerontologist." These professionals are expected to uphold the growing respect for the gerontologist profession worldwide and to practice it in our country in line with universal values. They are to adhere to the contemporary scientific, educational, and ethical principles aimed at by Atatürk's principles, prioritize the development of public health, and possess high quality and professionalism in their field. Additionally, they should respect human and professional dignity, evaluate and enhance individuals' functional abilities, and provide gerontological services to both healthy individuals and those with illnesses.

 

Program Educational Objectives of Our Department

1.

Possess the fundamental knowledge required for success in professional practice,

2.

Have the prerequisite learning necessary for further academic advancement or scientific research,

3.

Capable of using evidence-based interventions, with effective communication skills and well-developed written and verbal expression abilities,

4.

Sensitive to social issues and closely attentive to the community in which they live,

5.

Able to produce effective solutions to societal problems, with well-developed problem-solving skills,

6.

Competent in working both individually and as part of a team, and proficient in accessing information,

7.

Equipped with critical thinking and self-evaluation skills,

8.

Possess social and ethical responsibilities,

9.

Open to development, understanding the importance of lifelong learning, and committed to it as a principle,

 

To train Gerontologists.

 

Program Outcomes

1.

Policy Development: 

A Gerontologist is a professional who, through their education, specializes in understanding all aspects of aging and identifying and addressing issues related to older adults.The primary role of a Gerontologist is to promote healthy aging and optimize the life conditions of older adults by developing relevant policies.

2.

Guidance

Younger individuals may perceive aging as a concern that will only arise in the later stages of life. However, we now understand that aging begins earlier in life. A Gerontologist conducts work to improve the aging process and provides guidance to individuals throughout all stages of their lives, not just when they reach old age. In addition, a Gerontologist, trained to understand and address the issues faced by older adults, maintains direct communication with them. Sometimes, the issues experienced by older adults may differ from what family members describe. In such cases, the Gerontologist listens to the older adult and collaborates with them to find solutions.

3.

Combatting Losses Associated with Aging

The aging period is often referred to as a "period of losses," where numerous issues can arise. A Gerontologist works to mitigate or eliminate the effects of these losses. They assist older adults in planning their leisure time and living their lives with minimal impact from the losses associated with aging. Addressing psychological issues that may arise due to these losses is as important as combating the losses themselves. An individual's psychology is a significant factor in their quality of life. While seeking solutions to these losses, a Gerontologist also considers the individual's psychological well-being and addresses any issues that may arise. It is essential to remember that each individual may have specific issues that should be evaluated uniquely, even if the problems are similar. Therefore, a Gerontologist recognizes each older adult as a distinct individual and develops tailored solutions accordingly. The training in Gerontology begins with trying to understand the older individual.

4.

Bridge Between Older Adults and Society

One of the most crucial roles of a Gerontologist is to serve as a bridge between older adults and society. Due to the losses associated with aging, older adults may be less valued in society. A Gerontologist is aware of the needs and desires of both the older adults and the community. They act as a bridge between the two, seeking solutions to issues. Intergenerational conflicts and relationships, relationships among peers of older adults, family relationships, and relationships between staff and older adults in institutions are all significant areas that need to be evaluated separately. A Gerontologist works on projects to prevent intergenerational conflict and foster closer relationships between different generations. They also work on projects that enable younger and older generations to spend quality time together and exchange experiences. When issues arise due to generational differences within a family, a Gerontologist seeks solutions with the involvement of the family. The Gerontologist's role as a bridge is most apparent in nursing homes and care centers. Organizing the relationships between staff and older adults in these institutions is a critical area that impacts the overall environment of the institution. A Gerontologist is aware of the challenges faced by the staff and the needs of the older adults. They work to structure the staff-older adult relationships in a way that considers the desires of both parties.

5.

 Managing Leisure Time

It is crucial for individuals, especially as they age, to fill their leisure time with activities that prevent or delay losses and bring new gains. A Gerontologist serves as a guide for older adults in planning their leisure time and also works on developing activities that promote personal growth. A Gerontologist strives to ensure a quality aging experience that is as free from issues as possible throughout all stages of human life.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Gerontology program have the opportunity to work in various fields, including the following examples:

1.

Residential Care Homes: Gerontologists in residential care homes work in managerial positions to ensure the highest possible quality of life for older adults. They also guide the staff and make adjustments to the operation of the facility.

2.

Hospitals: While this practice is not yet widespread in our country, hospitals, which are frequently visited by older adults, have a need for gerontologists. It is evident that standard patient monitoring is insufficient for older adults throughout their hospital stay. Gerontologists address the information asymmetry during the admission process and provide care that is sensitive to the specific needs of older adults, which is a significant need in current hospitals.

3.

Municipalities: In our country, most social welfare initiatives are carried out by municipalities. Gerontologists can work within municipalities to assess the conditions of older adults in the community, coordinate necessary services, and implement regulations tailored to the needs of older adults.

4.

Health Tourism: In health tourism sector, gerontologists oversee the entire process for foreign older adults, from their arrival and procedures to their departure. They ensure that these services are provided efficiently and cost-effectively while also working to attract new older adults to this ecosystem.

5.

Private Insurance Companies: Although insurance is a necessity for all citizens, older adults are often viewed as high-risk clients by insurance companies. When an older adult seeks private health insurance, they may encounter higher costs and limited coverage options. Gerontologists can help mediate these issues, finding solutions that benefit both the client and the insurance company.

6.

Technology Companies: As technology rapidly advances to simplify our lives, it becomes increasingly important to utilize it to aid older adults, particularly as they face physical limitations. Gerontologists can collaborate with technology companies to develop solutions that make life easier for older adults.

7.

Government Agencies: Inclusive and comprehensive policies are essential for every state. Governments must consider the needs of every demographic in society. Gerontologists can play a crucial role as representatives for older adults, assisting in the development of policies, laws, and practices specifically designed to address the needs of older adults.

 

Güncelleme 05.07.2022 21:43:59

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