WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000
music 

00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.000
Aging is our future in more ways than one!

00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:08.000
Hi, I'm Ruby Van Dyke, 

00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:10.000
a gerontology major here at Western Oregon University.

00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:13.000
I'm so glad you are ready to learn more about the gerontology, 

00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:16.000
aging and older adulthood program here at Western.

00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:18.000
So, I know what you're thinking. 

00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:21.000
What exactly is gerontology?

00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:23.000
Gerontology is the study of biological,

00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:26.000
psychological and social aging over time.

00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:31.000
It addresses the whole person using content from psychology, health,

00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:35.000
biology, sociology, political science and more. 

00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.000
To find out if gerontology is right for you, 

00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:41.000
ask yourself these four simple questions. 

00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:44.000
Do I have a strong relationship with my Grandparents 

00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:45.000
and other Older Adults? 

00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:49.000
Do I  enjoy working with Older Adults?

00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:53.000
Do I have a heart for Older Adults?

00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:57.000
Am I interested in healthy aging for myself and others?

00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:59.000
If you checked the boxes on this list,

00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:61.000
then gerontology is the major for you.

00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:07.000
Now, let's find out why it's important to learn about the aging process. 

00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:10.000
It's important to develop the skills necessary 

00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:13.000
to advocate for the well-being of Older Adults,

00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:16.000
their families and their communities. 

00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:18.000
To learn more about a population that's growing, 

00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:21.000
with a high demand for services and programs.

00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:24.000
To understand the various contexts of aging. 

00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:28.000
The bottomline is... everyone is aging. Even you! 

00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.000
By understanding more about aging, we can make better decisions

00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:34.000
about ourselves and help others along the way. 

00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:38.000
I chose to study gerontology at Western because I knew 

00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:41.000
that I had a passion for older adults and I wanted 

00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:44.000
to study at a university that fostered a close 

00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:46.000
community feeling with my peers.

00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:51.000
Gerontology at Western is currently one of 24 programs in the nation

00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:54.000
and the only program in the Pacific North West to offer a 

00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:57.000
Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Applied Sciences.

00:01:57.000 --> 00:01:63.000
Our program links with the Assoc. for Gerontology & Higher Education 

00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.000
competencies for undergraduate and graduate education.

00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:12.000
WOU is ranked #11 nationally in Best Value Colleges for gerontology.

00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:18.000
Our students graduate with 200+ hours of practical experience 

00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:20.000
with older adults. 

00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:23.000
Here's a quick look at the program requirements. 

00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:27.000
Gerontology requires 58 quarter credit hours, 

00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:31.000
including 11 core course, 3 electives and 

00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:33.000
participation in two internships 

00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:36.000
What are the internship opportunities?

00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:40.000
Western has a broad network of partners that provides hands-on

00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:45.000
experience for students in hospice, long-term care, adult day services, 

00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:48.000
adult protective services, health and recreation centers, 

00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:51.000
and state and county departments on aging. 

00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:53.000
At this point you're probably wondering, 

00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:57.000
what do our graduates do with a degree in gerontology?

00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:61.000
Our alumni are working in a number of agencies that serve older adults 

00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:05.000
from the OR Dept. of Human Services to long-term care communities.

00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:07.000
Finally, I'd like to introduce you to two people 

00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:10.000
who make up Western's gerontology program. 

00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:13.000
Professor Margaret Manoogian and Professor Melissa Cannon.

00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:16.000
They are skilled and caring professionals who have made

00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:19.000
made a profound difference in my life.

00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:21.000
I can't wait for you to meet them and learn more. 

00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:25.000
Remember, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour,   

00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:27.000
contact the gerontology department at 

00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:33.000
wou.edu/gerontology and thank you.

00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:37.000
music