Gerontologists vs. Geriatricians In Senior Care

When it comes to senior care, there are many different professionals involved in providing support and services. Two terms that you may hear are “gerontologist” and “geriatrician.” While these terms may sound similar, they actually refer to different types of professionals.

In this blog, we’ll describe what each profession does and point out key distinctions between the two. After reading, you’ll better understand the types of professionals in your loved ones’ senior care.

What is Gerontology?

In short, gerontology is the study of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a range of disciplines, including biology, psychology, sociology, and healthcare.

What is a Gerontologist?

Gerontologists study the physical and mental changes that occur as people age and the social and cultural factors that influence aging. They also examine the impact of aging on individuals, families, and communities and work to develop strategies to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults.

Gerontology itself is not a job, but rather a field of study. However, there are many career opportunities in the field of gerontology, including working as a geriatrician, geriatric nurse, social worker, aging program coordinator, policy analyst, and more. Jobs in gerontology may be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. 

Gerontology is a rapidly growing field as the Canadian population ages, and there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in aging and senior care.

What is the difference between a geriatrician and a gerontologist?

While geriatricians and gerontologists both work with older adults, there are some key differences between the two professions.

The role of Geriatricians in senior care:

A geriatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions that are common in older adults. Geriatricians have completed medical school and residency training in internal medicine or family medicine, and then completed additional training in geriatric medicine. They are trained to address the complex healthcare needs of older adults, including the management of multiple chronic conditions, medication management, and the prevention and treatment of age-related conditions such as dementia and falls.

The role of Gerontologists in senior care:

A gerontologist, on the other hand, is a specialist in the study of aging and the effects that aging has on individuals and society as a whole. Gerontologists come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including biology, psychology, sociology, and social work. They may work in research, policy development, or direct service provision, and their work may involve understanding the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur with aging, as well as developing strategies to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults.

In summary, while geriatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in older adults, gerontologists are experts in the study of aging and the social, psychological, and biological aspects of the aging process.

Families are more likely to work directly with a geriatrician than a gerontologist. This is because geriatricians are medical doctors, and they can provide direct medical care and treatment for older adults.

While gerontologists may work in direct service provision, their focus is more on the study of aging and the development of strategies to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults. Gerontologists may work in research, policy development, or program coordination, but they are less likely to provide direct medical care for older adults.

That being said, both geriatricians and gerontologists can play important roles in the care of older adults, and families may benefit from consulting with both types of professionals depending on their needs and circumstances.

Related: Strengths and Weaknesses of BC’s Senior Healthcare System

What’s in a name?

Fun fact: Both “geriatrician” and “gerontologist” have their roots in the Greek word “geron,” which means “old man” or “old age.” “Iatros” is the Greek word for “physician” or “healer,” so “geriatrician” literally means “physician of old age.” Similarly, “logos” in Greek means “word” or “study,” so “gerontologist” literally means “the study of old age.”