gerontology

[ jer-uhn-tol-uh-jee, jeer- ]

noun

1. the branch of science that deals with aging and the problems of aged persons.

gerontology

/ ˌdʒɛrɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌdʒɛrɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with older people Compare geriatrics

gerontology

1. A medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the elderly.

Notes

The large number of aging “baby boomers” has increased both the profile and importance of this specialty.

Derived Forms

• ˌgeronˈtologist, noun
• gerontological, adjective

Other Words From

• ge·ron·to·log·i·cal [j, uh, -ron-tl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• geron·tolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerontology¹

First recorded in 1900–05; geronto- + -logy

Example Sentences

In one study published in 2017 in the Journals of Gerontology, after seniors learned to use Facebook, they scored higher on memory tests than older adults who didn’t use Facebook.

From Time

Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences (2001): 56A (3), 130-9.

From The Daily Beast

“I was a smash in the department of gerontology,” he liked to joke.

From The Daily Beast