Gerontologists are individuals who provide mental health assistance to elderly (All Psychology Careers, 2014). These professionals closely monitor and examine how individuals age and the psychological issues which face the elderly. Gerontologists examine concerns of the elderly such as their social environment, mental health and their physical capabilities. By examining these traits, gerontologists are able to obtain comprehensive understanding of the assistance required to provide seniors with a good quality of life. With advancements in medicine, humans are living longer and the amount of elderly individuals alive has increased drastically (Careers In Psychology, 2014). Mental health professionals have predicted that the field of gerontology …show more content…
Gerontology researchers seek to understand how the aging process begins, potential casual factors of poor health and even how to slow down the process (Careers In Psychology, 2014). A prime example of gerontologists work happens to be studying individuals living with the Japanese islands of Okinawa (Poulain, 2011). Okinawa maintains the largest concentration of centenarians the world. The difference in life expectancy between the women of the islands is extremely exceptional. The average life expectancy of women living on the island is 86.3 years old while the current life expectancy of women in the United States is 80.4 years old. Gerontologists examined the factors, which may potentially contribute to Okinawans having such long and fulfilling lives (Okinawa Centenarian Study, 2014). One theory examined was the lack of free radicals included in their diets. The free radical theory is a belief that extra calories consumed by individuals tend to harm the metabolism over time. Okinawan centenarians have maintained a culture where they do not eat in excess or gorge like Americans. They eat a reduced caloric diet and exercise regularly. Additionally, Okinawans maintain lower incidents of cancer and decreased occurrences of osteoporosis. Research gerontology maintains a key rule to scientifically understanding the aging …show more content…
Their roles range from helping the elderly with day-to-day tasks during home health care or in a nursing home. Additionally, individuals who fall under the direct care category many be those who conduct therapy, counseling or advocacy. Gerontology advocates are those professionals who assist elderly in navigating the world around them. Many elderly citizens have issues with understanding technology or even filling out