Why Gerorich

Though gerontology is not their area of primary interest or specialization, 46 percent of social workers find themselves working with older adults at some point in time. Thus, basic knowledge about aging is necessary for all social work students in preparation for the likelihood of working with older adults in the future.

The number of people over 65 is growing, creating a heightened demand for social workers trained in working with older adults. Between the years 2000 and 2030, it is estimated the percentage of people over 65 will increase from 13 percent of the population to 20 percent of the population. In 1987 fewer than 30,000 social workers were working with the older adults. In contrast, by 2020 as many as 70,000 social workers will be necessary to address the needs of the older population.

Click on the following graphs:

• Growth in 65+ population 1900 - 2020
  
  
• Growth in Population over 65 by Age Group
  
  
• Growth Growth in 85+ population 1900 -2020
  
  
• Percentage of Population Age 65+ by State
  
  
• Growth Percent increase in population 65+, 1990 - 2030 by ethnicity
  
  
• Percent 65 and over 2000
  
  
• Percent 65 and over 2030

Statistics based on information from SAGE-SW.