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Newsletter and Reports

Aging in the News

Careers in Aging

Resources for Gerontology Scholars and Students

Contact Information

Program Director:
J. Brandon Wallace

Office:
PH 330

Phone:
615-898-5976

Email: aging@mtsu.edu

AGING STUDIES
at MTSU

The Aging Studies Program at Middle Tennessee State University is an interdisciplinary program of research and education focusing on aging and the elderly. Faculty from nursing, nutrition, speech, physical education, social work, psychology, and sociology conduct research and teach courses that provide students and aging professionals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to address the challenges posed by an aging population. We offer both an undergraduate Minor in Gerontology and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

The older population--persons 65 years or older--numbered 37.3 million in 2006 (the most recent year for which data are available). They represented 12.4% of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans. The number of older Americans increased by 3.3 million or 9.7% since 1996, compared to an increase of 13.3% for the under-65 population. However, the number of Americans aged 45-64 – who will reach 65 over the next two decades – increased by 39% during this period.

Members of minority groups are projected to increase from 5.7 million in 2000 (16.4% of the elderly population) to 8.1 million in 2010 (20.1% of the elderly) and then to 12.9 million in 2020 (23.6% of the elderly).

Beginning Fall 2008, the Minor in Aging Studies will change to a Minor in Gerontology. Courses previously listed as Aging Studies courses (A S) will now be listed as Gerontology courses (GERO). This is a change in name only. Course content and the requirements for the minor will remain the same.
Congratulations to Dayron Deaton who completed both the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and a Masters in Sociology this Spring. Good luck Dayron!!
Aging Studies faculty member Judy Campbell, Nursing, has been elected president of the Rutherford County Council on Aging. Congratulations Judy!!
Aging Studies has a Foundation account to which contributions can be made to further the mission of the Aging Studies Program. Anyone who wishes to make donations should contact aging@mtsu.edu
The Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging has established three $1,000 scholarships to be awarded in Fall 2008 to students interested in perusing careers in gerontology or geriatrics. Students must be a junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in an accredited university in one of eight southern states, including Tennessee. Interested students should contact the Aging Studies office at 898-5976 or aging@mtsu.edu. Applications must be postmarked by May 30.
Aging Studies offers an information service. Email your age-related questions to aging@mtsu.edu or call us at 615-898-5976. We will try to have an answer for you within 72 hours.