noun
gerontology
jair-un-TAH-luh-jee/ˌdʒerənˈtɑːlədʒi/
The scientific study of aging and older adults.
She studies gerontology to understand how people change as they age.
Etymology
The old-person root identifies the subject of study. Gerontology covers not only older people themselves but also aging as a process.
In context
went to graduate school got my masters in gerontology which is the study of Aging
More examples
- Research in gerontology explores how friendships affect well-being in later life.
- His gerontology course covers both physical and social aspects of aging.
- The university offers a master's degree in gerontology.
Forms
gerontologist noun — A scientist who studies aging and older adults.
gerontological adjective — Relating to the scientific study of aging.
Similar words
- geriatrics
- Focuses on older adults' medical care rather than aging broadly.