Gerontology: the science that studies the aging process

A recent survey conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicates that people aged 60 or over represented 14.7% of Brazil’s population in 2021. In absolute numbers, there are 31.23 million people. The data are from the National Continuous Household Sample Survey (Pnad Contínua) and reveal that in the past nine years the number of older people has increased by 39.8%. In 2012, 22.34 million people aged 60 or over lived in Brazil, which is 11.3% of the total Brazilian population. Soon, with the completion of the ongoing population census in the country, a more accurate estimate will be released.

Previous data revealed that life expectancy among Brazilians increased by seven years, reaching 72.2 years for males and 79.3 years for females. As life expectancy increases and the birth curve declines, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that in 2050 the elderly will correspond to 30% of the world’s population, a trend that Brazil should follow.

With changes in society, the demand for new fields of study or strengthening of existing fields grows, such as gerontology, the science that studies the aging process in its biological, psychological and social dimensions.

Centro Universitário Tiradentes (Unit / AL) offers a two-year course in Gerontology (Qualification as a Superior Technologist) in the form of Distance Learning (EAD) in a 100% online subnet, with the help of teacher educators and a virtual learning environment (AVA). “The Gerontology and Wellness course in the unit addresses the aging process from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective, and brings together knowledge from various fields. Therefore, during the course, the student engages with topics that enable a global understanding of elderly people,” notes Unit/AL Business Consultant, Yaggo. Rodrigues.

It indicates that the course curriculum consists of biological, human and exact sciences disciplines. Topics related to gerontology, nutrition, family relations and palliative care are in the training structure, with topics related to gerontology, nutrition, family relations and palliative care.

To participate in the selection process for the Gerontology and Care course, the candidate can take the test online, use the ENEM degree, make an external transfer or obtain a diploma (graduate unit / AL and other institutions). To learn more about the course and entry forms, visit: https://www.unit.br/ead/gerontologia-e-bem-estar