VUB

The ageing of the society is now a worldwide phenomenon.
Several international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, consider ageing as one of the major topics that need immediate and thorough attention. (www.who.int/ageing)
People working in various domains, who come into contact with elderly persons, have felt the need to improve their knowledge of the ageing process and of the needs, limitations and the potential of the elderly person.
We distinguish three professional roles:

1. The gerontologist as scientist, researcher


2. The gerontologist as expert and innovator in gerontological aspects of health and needs of the elderly person


3. The gerontologist as communicator at the micro-, meso- and macro level.