Program Description At one time, talks of aging prompted images of failing health, isolation, and lack of purpose. Today, people are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Gerontology is the study of changes that take place in the process of aging. Studying Gerontology at St. Thomas, you will explore the impact of the way society defines aging and how individuals actually experience and understand their own later years.
You will examine aging from sociological, psychological, physical, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives. Courses focus on issues that concern older persons themselves, and range from an examination of health-care needs to the understanding of wisdom.
St. Thomas is also home to The Third Age Centre, an autonomous, community-based, non-profit organization to empower older adults to maintain healthy, independent, active lifestyles. The centre conducts research and public education on issues of particular concern to older adults. We are also affiliated with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Narrative. Students are often invited to be involved in projects undertaken by these centres.
