Careers stemming from the aging trend will create more job opportunities, assisting older adults in improving their lives as they age. The good thing is that everyone is aging, so there is plenty of job security. People are living longer. The demand for people who are experts in aging is proliferating. The goal is to bring greater awareness to the wide range of career opportunities in aging. Regardless of your area of interest, there is a career spin that can benefit older adults.

As you seek a career after high school, consider a job that will set you apart. Aging is a specialty area that may help to set you apart from others in a similar field.

A career in aging can be pursued from many different areas of study. There are various options for the type of career you may be interested in.

The possibilities are endless, and perhaps you may even come up with one that combines your interests and talents.

  • Animal Care Service
    • Train therapy dogs to assist those living with medical needs.
    • Provide animal companions to nursing homes and hospitals.
  • Apparel Manufacturing
    • Make easily accessible clothing to address ability and mobility.
    • Design clothing to account for physical changes as one age.
  • Architecture and Engineering
    • Create spaces that are accessible across the lifespan.
    • Design doorways/walkways to adjust for adaptive devices.
    • Make public parks/walking paths safe and inviting for all ages.
  • Beauty and Style Services
    • Provide beauty services at resident care and nursing homes.
  • Criminal Justice and Legal Services
    • Study elder law or the legal practices that support older adults.
    • Provide services including estate planning, wills, probate, advanced directives, and durable power of attorney.
  • Culinary and Food Industry
      • You could be a culinary chef at a nursing home or assisted living facility, manage congregate meal sites, or provide meals on wheels.
      • Become a Board-Certified Geriatric Registered Dietician.
      • Work as a culinary chef at a nursing home, assisted living facilities, congregate meal sites, or Meals on Wheels.
  • Education
    • Obtain a Certificate in Gerontology or a minor in Gerontology.
    • Become a professor/teacher who teaches aging classes.
  • Fitness and Wellness
    • Promote healthy aging through fitness and wellness.
    • Help with rehabilitation from surgeries common to older adults. 
  • Healthcare and Therapeutic Services
    • Become an assisted living care partner, nurse or social worker.
    • Learn about occupational or physical therapy.
    • Consider careers in dentistry, speech audiology and radiology.
  • Human Resources
    • Hire older adults and develop policies and procedures for an intergenerational workforce.
    • This is the first time in history that five generations will work together in one place (Silent 1928-1945, Boomers 1946- 1964, Generation X 1965-1980, Millennials 1981- 1996 and Generation Z 1997-2012).
  • Leisure and Recreation
    • Become a recreational therapist and help create fun and interactive events for older adult populations.
    • Create leisure groups and activities of interest to older adults and multigenerational groups.
  • Manufacturing
    • Manufacture products to help make a task more accessible for older adults or adults with mobility or dexterity issues.
  • News and Broadcasting
    • Tell stories and reports on older adults doing amazing things in your community – writing books, designing innovative products or services, and their acts of kindness and caring.
    • Broadcast on local events involving older adults.
  • Performing Arts and Entertainment
    • Design, choreograph, or write plays and performances with older adults as the performers.
    • Take a play or vignette on tour and perform at local senior centers or assisted living facilities.
    • Find out how the arts have been shown to help those living with dementia connect and communicate.
  • Product Development
    • Develop products to make the lives of older adults easier, safer, or more versatile.
    • Invite older adults to test and serve as focus groups
    • Remember that others may also benefit from these new products.
  • Real Estate
    • Become a real estate expert in older adult properties. Many housing developments are strictly for those over 55.
    • Be aware of communities with a universal design that makes it easier for an older adult to live in (e.g., limited stairs, single-level housing, accessible walkways, good lighting).
  • Travel and Transportation
    • Help create safer routes with bus stops and public transportation areas close to over-55 and senior living properties, senior centers, and population centers.
    • Create a buddy program with volunteers to sit with older adults as they wait for public transportation.
    • Become a travel agent specializing in trips and vacation packages for older adults.

Learn more about career possibilities stemming from the aging trend by scheduling a Disrupt Aging or Aging Mastery program today! Contact the team at nmazzullo@unr.edu