About Us

What is Gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of aging. It encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of growing old both in the normal and in the problematic manifestations of this development. It concerns itself with understanding these processes and with planning and delivery of services to meet the identified needs of the elderly.

What is the Consortium Gerontology Studies Program?

The Consortium Gerontology Studies Program (CGSP) is a cooperative, academic program of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. The CGSP began in 1978 under the leadership of the late Dr. Rosalie Wolf. A true visionary, Dr. Wolf understood the need to educate a workforce and conduct research in aging to meet the demands of an expanding aging population. Two years after it began the CGSP had support from five area colleges: Assumption College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Worcester State College. The program's mission is to develop an interest among undergraduate students in the field of aging and to provide these students with a basic understanding of the spectrum of needs, concerns and issues facing the elderly population today and in the years to come.

The main elements of the program are courses, internships, academic advising, career planning and a gerontology certificate. The Gerontology Certificate can be earned by students at any one of the the participating colleges: Assumption College Day and Evening Programs, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester State College and UMass Medical School.

Why Study Gerontology?

The increase in life expectancy and the growing proportion of older persons in the population represent a dramatic social change. Despite our technological achievements, many problems faced by older persons remain unresolved: chronic illness and disability, insufficient income, social isolation, inadequate diet, inactivity, depression, fear, poor housing, lack of transportation and a sense of worthlessness. Progress in these areas will depend on greater awareness of the issues, better understanding of the aging process, and more positive attitudes about growing old. The largest number of older persons, however, are well elderly. Their needs are an exciting challenge for current and future gerontologists. Areas to be explored include: pre-retirement planning, travel, education, exercise, nutrition, housing, counseling, spiritual direction and other quality of life issues. In the years ahead, there will be an expanding need for personnel working with the elderly, and a demand for better training to render professionals more sensitive to the specific concerns of the elderly.