Work with older adults is by nature interdisciplinary. Many careers in aging are at the intersection of more than one discipline or area of study. Please note that the list of careers below is not a comprehensive one. There are many other possibilities for careers that intersect with aging – and perhaps you may come up with one of your own.
Design and Technology Careers
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Urban and Regional Plannersopens in new window
Urban and Regional Planners design, build, and maintain buildings and community areas that can be enjoyed by individuals across the life-span. -
Interior Designersopens in new window
Interior Designers create functional and safe indoor age-friendly spaces. -
Mechanical and Electrical Engineersopens in new window
Design, build, and test machines and tools to assist older adults, such as assistive devices and technologies. -
Software and Computer Engineersopens in new window
Develop applications and technologies to assist older adults remain independent and health care organizations to function effectively. -
Human Factors Specialists (PDF, 477.2KB)opens in new window
Ensure that complex systems, from mobile devices to roadway environments, are designed with the preferences and abilities of older users in mind.
Law, Policy and Advocacy Careers
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Elder Law Attorneysopens in new window
Help older adults with a variety of legal matters including estate and health care planning, and ensures that their rights are preserved. -
Long-term Care Ombudsmenopens in new window
Advocate for older adults who live in long-term care facilities. They investigate and resolve concerns of residents and provide education on resident rights. -
Government Relations Professionalsopens in new window
Work for scientific, professional, health or aging organizations and advocate for policies and programs that support older adults. APA does a lot of advocacy work related to mental and behavioral health issues affecting older adults. Great advocacy organizations include the American Association of Retired Personsopens in new window and the National Council on Agingopens in new window.
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Congressional Staff Membersopens in new window
Assist Congress members to develop and evaluate legislative proposals related to issues including health and aging, and interact with the constituents they represent. - Policy Analysts (PDF, 702.7KB)opens in new window
Improve the lives of older adults by collecting and analyzing data, reviewing potential policies and regulations, and making recommendations to government officials and other entities.
- Certified Legal Nurse Consultantsopens in new window
Help legal professionals better understand medical aspects of legal cases, including interpreting medical terminology and records.
Biological and Health Sciences Careers
Activity Directorsopens in new window
Provide older adults recreational and social opportunities to stay connected and remain physically and cognitively active.Dieticians and Nutritionistsopens in new window
Use knowledge of nutrition to teach and encourage healthy dietary choices and behaviors to manage chronic disease and promote health.Occupational Therapistsopens in new window
Help older adult patients to develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.Geriatric Care Managersopens in new window
Use a client-centered approach for healthcare management, finding and maximizing resources for older adults, and coordinating transitional care.
Public Health Educatoropens in new window
Plan, implement and evaluate programs to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments for individuals across the lifespan.Gerontologistopens in new window
Study the social, physical, biological, cognitive, cultural, and psychological aspects of aging to gain insight into the aging process.Exercise Physiologistopens in new window
Design exercise programs that help older adults remain fit, decrease morbidity, recover from chronic diseases and increase quality of life.Brain and Cognitive Scientistopens in new window
Explore aspects of brain health using cutting-edge technology.
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Epidemiologistsopens in new window
Work to lessen the risk and incidence of negative health outcomes by investigating patterns of diseases and prevention across the lifespan. -
Rehabilitation Counselorsopens in new window
Assist older adults with disabling conditions manage employment or independent living. -
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselorsopens in new window
Provide treatment and support to aid individuals address behavioral health issues. -
Audiologistsopens in new window
Diagnose and treat hearing, ear and balance issues.
Business and Administration Careers
Financial Advisoropens in new window
Use expertise in accounting and finance to advise older adults on investments, estate planning, taxes and retirement.Senior Center Directoropens in new window
Oversee facilities, programming and staff of these centers.- Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administratoropens in new window
Supervise clinical and administrative aspects of these facilities to ensure a safe and enriching environment for residents.