Gerontologische Forschung im Bereich der Sozial- und Verhaltenswissenschaften in Deutschland seit 1968: Rückblick, kritische Würdigung und Perspektiven

[Gerontologically oriented study programs in Germany : Critical review]

The objective of this article is a state-of-the-art analysis and critical reflection of the status quo of gerontologically oriented study programs in higher education in Germany. The major impulse for writing this article was provided by the newly established working group "Gerontological Education", which was inaugurated at the joint annual conference of sections III and IV of the German Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Mannheim in 2015. A systematic review of gerontological study programs shows that the number of such programs has increased in Germany over the past decade. At the same time there has been a dynamic development across the country whereby well-established programs were closed and new ones were initiated. New study programs were primarily initiated at universities of applied sciences and private universities. A tendency away from explicit gerontology programs towards other academic disciplines (e.g. sociology, social work, psychology, sports, health and rehabilitation sciences) in combination with gerontological contents can be observed. These degree programs are rooted in their respective disciplines and focus primarily on health and social issues. Given the heterogeneity of study programs the working group "Gerontological Education" could become a new forum for leaders of such programs, students, alumni and employers of gerontologists for critical reflection and further development of gerontological quality benchmarks.