The Interdisciplinary Field of Gerontology

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Reflection on Gerontology
Aging represents life, but it can also mean death. Since then, the thought of aging has never occurred to me. Or perhaps I was simply afraid of confronting reality and my expectations of aging. I assumed that an older person was on the verge of death due to the illnesses accompanying aging. I also believe that as people age, they lose their usefulness due to physical and mental changes. However, I have a great deal of respect and affection for the elderly. I highly regard my grandparents and express my love for them openly. In addition, I empathize with the elderly. When I see older people still working, I feel sorry for them because I believe they should be resting at their age. However, my views on aging have shifted due to my course. I have gained a more emphatic and compassionate perspective.
There are numerous ideas about aging. Others may have been afraid of aging because they associate it with death. On the other hand, people who are curious about the future of aging may exist. The course addressed these and other concerns. I learned in class that aging gracefully and purposefully is essential. It also made me realize that the course is about more than just diseases; it also considers how aging affects people and society. Therefore, in addition to revealing the effects of aging on individuals and society, the course encourages younger people to be more understanding and patient with the elderly. The course fosters interaction between the two generations. Aside from other positive outcomes of the study, understanding the aging population is critical for policymakers. According to U.S. Census Bureau, in 2020, the nation's population of adults aged 65 and above was 16.9% (America’s Health Ranking, 2022). It means that policymakers need to consider this number. It means that policymakers must take this number into account. They should develop beneficial policies and programs for these people. In a nutshell, I have learned about the value of the elderly in society. They must not be viewed as liabilities because they can no longer do certain things or because their bodies are weakening but rather as valuable individuals who must be cared for. They are people who require a great deal of empathy and compassion.
The course’s lessons are all worthwhile. However, one particular topic piqued my interest: the eight domains of a livable community. These domains enable a community to influence the well-being of adults and make a community welcoming to people of all ages. The topic has been fascinating because I have concluded that there must be several factors that contribute to adults’ well-being. These factors are essential in shaping adults and improving their aging experience.
The eight domains of livable communities are divided into two groups: the built environment, which includes housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, and community and health services; and the social environment, which provides for civic participation and employment, social participation, respect, social inclusion, and communication and information (AARP, n.d.; Cicero, 2022).
As the saying says, “Home is where the...