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Gerontology's future: An integrative model for disciplinary advancement
Gretchen E Alkema1, Dawn E Alley
1MSW, Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA. alkema@usc.edu
The Gerontologist
|October 20, 2006
Summary
Gerontology is solidifying as a distinct academic discipline, moving beyond its historical debate. This emerging field integrates biopsychosocial factors and aging concepts for comprehensive study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Aging Studies
- Interdisciplinary Sciences
Background:
- Gerontology's disciplinary status has been debated for over a century.
- Recent advancements indicate its maturation as a unique field.
Observation:
- Interdisciplinary aging theories have emerged.
- Consensus on longitudinal research methods has been reached.
- Gerontology is increasingly viewed as distinct, not a sub-discipline.
Findings:
- A conceptual framework is proposed for gerontology as an integrated discipline.
- This framework synthesizes biopsychosocial perspectives with core aging concepts.
- Multiple contextual elements are incorporated into the model.
Implications:
- The proposed model supports gerontology's progress and interdisciplinary research.
- Successful examples of integrated research are discussed.
- Future research questions are posed to advance the field.
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