As medical care advances and technology improves, people are living to be much older. In the developed world, where birth rates have slowed, the populations are getting older and not younger. When fifty years ago living to be 80 was considered a fantastic achievement, now more and more people are making to 100 and beyond. What this means is that there are lots of elderly folk who need to be cared for and looked after. In essence, it is a growth area from a career perspective. So, if you are fond of older people and considering a career that has a future, here are a few options you might want to think about.
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Basic care of the elderly
As people get older they deteriorate mentally and physically. Sometimes it is just one or the other, other times it is both. Whatever the case, it means that they are not able to look after themselves as they once could. It can be pretty dire. Inability to dress or go to the toilet, or less severe where they simply need conversation and companionship because their friends and family have all passed away. Whatever the situation a certificate iii in aged care is the type of qualification that will see you walk into a job. What is nice as well is that it is a qualification where the skills can be transferred to another country if you want to travel and look after the elderly there.
Medicine
Medicine is a very broad field, but as you study further it allows for specialisation, and one of the areas that you might want to specialise is as a geriatrician. These are doctors who are specifically trained to deal with the effects of the aging process. Typically, they would look to combat the effects and symptoms of things like dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and epilepsy.
Exercise related activities
The more active people stay, the better they age. This is not just a physical thing as studies have shown that muscle mass and physical exercise translate to mental health as well. So, careers in areas like physiotherapy, yoga, aerobics or gym instruction can all be tailored towards looking after the elderly. If this is an area where you are qualified, approach old-age communities and pitch a service. Too often the elderly are ignored or forgotten when it comes to this sphere of life but pitch regular classes and you might be surprised at the turnout.
Administration
As populations age, so the proliferation of old age homes and complexes increases. These complexes can vary greatly, from frail care facilities to safe independent living, to hybrid models that offer catered meals and communal areas couples to private homes. Whatever the model, these complexes need people to run them and make them happen. As their worlds shrink elderly people tend to be grumpy or demanding. Issues that might have been small when they were younger become huge to them. So, complexes need efficient management and managers.
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