Meet 7 professions for those who want to work with the elderly!

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Senior Citizens as the age group of individuals over 60 years old. However, each country can draw a limit for the age of the elderly, with a view to formulating appropriate public policies for this portion of the population.

According to a report released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), more than 20 million Brazilians can be considered elderly. The trend is for this number to grow and exceed the so-called “young” population around 2030. More than numbers, it is necessary to provide good living conditions for these people.

Thanks to the advancement of medicine and access to actions that provide greater longevity and health, the physical disposition of the elderly has long ceased to be considered fragile. However, they still need special care provided by duly qualified professionals, making their lives even healthier.

The stories resulting from long years of experience, in addition to the growing affection in this age group, attract young people to dedicate their lives to a career aimed at the elderly. Fortunately, there are several areas that make this type of work possible with graduations offered in renowned educational institutions.

Check out, below, a list of seven careers that form the student for the specific market of the Third Age. We also indicate universities where the respective graduations are available.

Gerontology

The course is dedicated to the study of the aging process, considering psychological, biological and social aspects. Professionals who graduated from this course leave loaded with a diversified background and also work with geriatricians, also linked to the Third Age.

Where to study: University of São Paulo (USP), Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Claretiano University Center (CEUCLAR) and Faculdades Adamantinenses Integradas (FAI).

Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy is the field of knowledge and intervention in education, health and the social sphere. In it, the professional will gather technologies aimed at patient autonomy. In the case of the elderly, it will enable the rehabilitation and prevention of psychomotor and affective changes.

• Where to study: UNIP, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), State University of Pará (UEPA) and Paulista State University Júlio Mesquita Filho (UNESP).

Nursing

The work of a good nursing team is essential in assisting the elderly with regard to rehabilitation and continuing care. Care can be provided both in clinics and hospitals, and in the patient's home. There is also a specialization in Geriatric Nursing - Elderly Health.

• Where to study: Centro Universitário Christus, UNIP, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University of Brasília (UNB).

Psychology

The arrival of an older age brings a series of bodily transformations, in addition to some limitations that the patient may not know how to deal with immediately. Therefore, psychological assistance for the elderly is essential in order to guarantee their well-being and mental health.

• Where to study: Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Federal University da Bahia (UFBA), Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University of Brasília (UNB).

Medicine

Seems obvious, but it bears repeating! Medicine is one of the most suitable areas for those who want to work directly with the elderly. Through the course, it is possible for the student to investigate, diagnose and treat diseases related to the Third Age, especially through specialization in Geriatrics.

• Where to study: UNICAMP, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa São Paulo (FCMSC-SP), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), University of Brasília (UNB).

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the area that takes care of the full recovery of a patient's movements. Its work includes both rehabilitation and the prevention of new accidents, improving the quality of life of the person assisted. In addition to graduation, the student can look for a specialization in Physical Therapy for the Elderly.

• Where to study: UNIP, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), ABC Medical School (FMABC), Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), University of Brasília (UNB).

Tourism

During your travels, have you noticed the number of groups composed exclusively of elderly people arriving at hotels? After so many years of work, these people reach this stage of life with the desire to relax and enjoy the best destinations! However, it is necessary to promote activities suitable for this profile.

• Where to study: Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), University of Brasília (UNB), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Anhembi Morumbi University, University of São Paulo (USP), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR).