Gerontology
In 2012, almost one in seven Canadians was a senior; by 2030, that number will jump to nearly one in four. Take on the opportunities and the challenges of working with older adults and advocating on their behalf, starting with a gerontology bachelor’s degree from the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
Gerontology is the study of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. It includes the study of changes in adults as they age, the ways that society changes with an aging population, and how we apply this information to programs and policies for older adults. The U of R bachelor’s degree in gerontology takes an active health approach to anticipating the needs of an aging population. It is one of the few programs in Canada to combine exercise science and the study of aging.
In the University of Regina Bachelor of Kinesiology in Gerontology program, you can learn how to apply your compassionate nature and strong desire to help others live longer, healthier lives. Our gerontology bachelor’s program can be your first step towards a career in areas such as:
- Human services
- Government agencies
- Health care
- Retirement communities
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care
Earning a degree in gerontology can be beneficial for most careers that assist older adults, so there are many career possibilities.
The gerontology bachelor’s degree program at the U of R will prepare you for a health career that has impact, in a growing field. Get career-ready with a 15-week, full-time fieldwork experience, applying what you learned from studying your major. This level of experience prior to degree completion is not common in other undergraduate kinesiology programs.
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies provides multiple pathways to multiple destinations. Come and find the pathway that’s right for you.
What Is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. It examines the changes that older adults experience as they age and how society must respond to address the needs of an aging population. Gerontology also examines how society changes with an aging population, and how this information factors into programs and policies.
As people age, they require additional medical care and assistance. In Canada, the aging population is a large demographic. Within the next 20 years, Canada’s senior population (those age 65 and older) is expected to grow by 68 per cent to more than 10 million people.
The gerontology bachelor’s degree program at the U of R takes an active health approach to anticipating the needs of an aging population. You will learn about the motivations, interests, needs, and biology of older adults. You will also gain a foundation in core exercise sciences.
Gerontology Meet Your Faculty
Quick Facts
Connect with us
Why Study Gerontology at the University of Regina?
By studying gerontology at the U of R in Saskatchewan, you will gain an understanding of aging, as well as core exercise sciences combined into one bachelor’s degree program. Core exercise sciences include exercise psychology, motor learning and control, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. There are very few opportunities in Canada to combine exercise science and the study of aging. The U of R bachelor’s program in gerontology is one of these!
You will also apply what you learned from your studies during your 15-week, full-time fieldwork placement. This level of experience before degree completion is not common in other undergraduate kinesiology programs. It is a major benefit of the University of Regina gerontology program.Fieldwork placements
Test your knowledge in a real world setting. Fieldwork placements provide you with practical, hands-on learning experience and help you develop professional competency skills.Expert faculty members
Learn from expert faculty members who are also active researchers with diverse interests. Our faculty members have strong national and international reputations within their fields, and our students benefit from their discovery of new knowledge. Our faculty research interests include:
- Leisure and aging
- Role of leisure in lives of older adults with dementia or a chronic illness
- Impact of chronic illness on older adults’ identities
- Musculoskeletal health
- Biomechanics of motor control and human movement
- Infectious diseases
What would you like for your birthday? More protein!
Listen to Dr. Darren Candow, PhD, CSEP-SEP, talk about the aging process and the importance of dietary protein in this video.
Dr. Candow is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies.
Gerontology Frequently Asked Questions
- Kinesiology and Health Studies Student Society
- SEARCH (Student Energy and Action in Regina Community Health)
- Clubs and activities open to all U of R students
Yes! We offer the following scholarships to undergraduate Kinesiology students:
- Queen City Vending – Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies Entrance Scholarship
- Don Powell Award
- Douglas and Margaret Cuddington Scholarship in Kinesiology and Health Studies
- Kinesiology and Health Studies Employee Student Bursary
Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Gerontology Program Concepts and Goals
In the University of Regina gerontology bachelor’s degree, you will study the science and process of aging, the challenges faced by older people, and how to address the needs of an aging population through an active health lens of exercise science.Learn
Learn to be a critical thinker and to apply theory in real-life settings from your expert instructors. You will gain an understanding of both aging and exercise science combined into one degree.Get experience
The 15-week fieldwork placement lets you take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in a working environment. Gain valuable work experience and a network of contacts before you graduate. This level of experience before completing your bachelor’s degree is not common in other undergraduate kinesiology programs.Get jobs
Get a rewarding health career in a growing field. Our graduates make a difference and have a positive impact in their communities.
What Can You Do With a Gerontology Degree?
Upon successfully completing your bachelor’s degree in gerontology, you will be prepared for an impactful health career. Some of our graduates pursue further education in related fields such as nursing or social work. Our gerontology graduates have also gone on to jobs such as the ones listed here.
To explore minors that may be available in this program area, please visit the Academic Calendar or meet with your faculty advisor in the Academic Advising Office after you are admitted.
- Medical and health services managers
- Health care professionals
- Geriatric aides
- Patient advocates for the elderly
- Social scientists
