• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
Baylor University
Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • About Us
    • At a Glance
      • Our History
      • Equity & Inclusion
      • Racial Justice
      • Land Acknowledgment
      • Program Evaluation
      • The Waco Area
    • Office of the Dean
      • Leadership
      • Board of Advocates
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • Adjunct Directory
    • Contact Us
    • GSSW News & More
      • News
      • GSSW Social Media
      • Desk of the Dean Newsletter
      • #BaylorProud
      • Media inquiries
    • Blog: Advocacy in Action
    • Faculty/Staff Resources
  • Admissions
    • Bachelor of Social Work
      • Applying to the Major
      • BSW Degree Requirements
      • Financial Aid
      • BSW Field Education
      • Minors
      • FAQ - BSW
    • Master of Social Work
      • Why the Garland School?
      • How to Apply
      • MSW Financial Aid
      • MSW Curriculum
      • MSW Specializations
      • MSW Joint Degrees
      • MSW Field Education
      • MSW Inquiry Form
      • FAQ - MSW
    • Online Master of Social Work
    • PhD in Social Work
      • Greetings from the Directors
      • How to Apply
      • Financial Aid
      • Program of Study
      • Doctoral Faculty Research Interests
      • Events - PhD
      • FAQ - PhD
    • Field Education
      • BSW Students
      • MSW students
      • Social Work Field Placement Agencies
      • Information for Field Faculty
      • Glossary/Terminology
      • Field Awards
    • Inquiry Form
    • Events
      • MSW Virtual Events
      • PhD Virtual Events
      • MSW Preview Day
      • Plan A Visit
      • Maps, parking and directions
    • Contact Us
    • Guardianship Education Certificate Program
  • Research & Impact
    • Research activities
    • Active research grants
    • Ongoing research and projects
      • Clergy Sexual Abuse research
      • SERVE Project
      • Mastering Your Marriage
    • Baylor IMPACT Research Lab - Houston
      • Meet Our Research Staff
      • Project Descriptions
    • Center for Church & Community Impact (C3i)
      • What we do
      • How we do it
      • Trauma-Sensitive Congregations
      • C3I Interest Form
      • LGBTQ+ Discernment Guide
      • Peer-Learning Cohorts: Building Resilient Congregations
    • Congregational Social Work Initiative
    • Diversity Initiative
      • Celebrating culture and diversity
      • Women's History Month 2023
      • Social Work Month 2023
      • Resources
      • Equity & Inclusion
    • Gerontology Initiative
    • Global Mission Leadership Initiative
      • Scholarship Components
      • GML Scholars Past and Present
      • How to Apply
      • Give to GML
    • Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate Program
      • Components of the IBH Program
      • Continuing Education Opportunities in Primary Care Behavioral Health
      • Meet Our Alumni
      • Meet Our Staff
    • Trauma Initiative
    • The Writings of Alan Keith-Lucas
    • Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      • 2021 Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      • 2020 Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      • History of the Gil Taylor Depression Awareness Alliance
  • Connect
    • Give
    • Alumni
      • GSSW Alumni Update Form
      • PhD-Community Connections
      • Alumni News - Class Notes
    • Baylor University Career Center
      • Job Search Resources
      • Licensure Information
    • Continuing Education
      • Dyer Ethics Workshop 2022
      • Guardianship Education Certificate Program
    • Post a Job Opportunity
    • Social Work Job Listings
    • Community Connection Magazine
  • Current Students
    • BSW
      • BSW Degree Requirements
      • BSW Financial Aid
      • BSW Advising
      • BSW Student Handbook 2022-23
      • Student organizations
      • Academic Actions
      • BSW Pass/Fail FAQ's
    • MSW
      • MSW Waco
      • MSW Online
    • PhD
      • PhD-Community Connections
    • Resources, events and traditions
    • Career services
    • Field Education
    • Student Development
      • Committee Members
      • GSSW Committees: Student Representation
      • Student Awards
      • Travel Scholarships
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Make a Gift
Baylor BU Diana R. Garland School of Social Work Research & Impact Gerontology Initiative
  • Research activities
  • Active research grants
  • Ongoing research and projects
  • Baylor IMPACT Research Lab - Houston
  • Center for Church & Community Impact (C3i)
  • Congregational Social Work Initiative
  • Diversity Initiative
  • Gerontology Initiative
  • Global Mission Leadership Initiative
  • Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate Program
  • Trauma Initiative
  • The Writings of Alan Keith-Lucas
  • Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium

Gerontology Initiative

We are all very familiar with the ways dramatic increases in life expectancy are radically transforming economic, institutional, relational, and congregational life. James Lubben, leading scholar in social gerontology with an active research agenda examining social support networks among older populations, equates the force of this longevity epoch to the transformative impact of the Industrial Revolution. Statistics include:

  • The average years lived by a person increased from 47 in 1900 to 77 in 2000.
  • The proportion of persons surviving from birth to old age (65) also increased from 39 percent to 86 percent during the 20th Century.
  • Current life expectancy in the US is 78, ranked 49th among the nations of the world-the highest ranked country is Macau (84.36 years) and the shortest life expectancy is Angola at 38 years.
  • Persons who live to be 65, have life expectancies that reach into the mid-80s.

How should we respond to the inevitable care demands of an exponentially increasing 55+ population of exceptionally vulnerable persons due to illness, loneliness, and poverty? Quality of life suffers as economic support programs, health care systems, and family caregiving resources are marginalized in the press of increasing need. The aging of the Baby Boomer population widens the gap between need and resource, heightening the urgency for more coordinated, responsive, and innovative approaches to care. What are the implications of these compelling realities for ministry and professional practice?

The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work seeks to find these answers. We vigorously work to equip alumni for worldwide leadership in holistic practice and research in gerontology and to produce state of the science resources and practical models for the well-being of older persons, their families, residential care environments, congregations, and communities.

Gerontology at the Baylor focuses on issues of the elderly and their families, drawing together several educational, research and application-based projects focused on improving quality of life for older persons.

The school provides a number of ways to focus on Gerontology, such as:

  • Minoring in Gerontology
  • BSW and MSW specialization
  • Infusion of gerontological content in courses and field placements
  • Participation in university-wide initiatives in gerontological education within the Baylor system

2012/13 was a year of expansion of the Gerontology Initiative's social work education and applied research programs, funded by the Danny and Lenn Prince Endowment Fund.

For more information about this initiative, contact:
Dr. Dennis Myers, LCSW
(254) 710-6404
Dennis_Myers@baylor.edu

Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

811 Washington Ave Waco, TX 76701
254-710-6400
swo@baylor.edu
Apply
Admissions
Give
Request Info
Baylor BU Diana R. Garland School of Social Work Research & Impact Gerontology Initiative
  • About Us
    Back
    • At a Glance
      Back
      • Our History
        Back
        • Meet Founding Dean Dr. Diana R. Garland
          Back
          • Honoring the past...the Carver connection
          • Twentieth-Century Pioneers: Building a Foundation for Ethical Integration of Christianity & Social Work
          • Founding dean recognized posthumously with NASW Pioneer Award
        • GSSW 50th Anniversary Video
      • Equity & Inclusion
      • Racial Justice
        Back
        • GSSW Antiracism Statement
        • Message from the Dean
      • Land Acknowledgment
      • Program Evaluation
      • The Waco Area
    • Office of the Dean
      Back
      • Leadership
      • Board of Advocates
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • Adjunct Directory
    • Contact Us
    • GSSW News & More
      Back
      • News
      • GSSW Social Media
      • Desk of the Dean Newsletter
      • #BaylorProud
      • Media inquiries
    • Blog: Advocacy in Action
    • Faculty/Staff Resources
  • Admissions
    Back
    • Bachelor of Social Work
      Back
      • Applying to the Major
        Back
        • Baylor BSW 5th Year Program - BSW to MSW
      • BSW Degree Requirements
        Back
        • BSW Course Descriptions
        • BSW Special Course Offerings/Electives
      • Financial Aid
      • BSW Field Education
      • Minors
        Back
        • Civic Interfaith Studies Minor
        • Gerontology Minor
        • Poverty Studies and Social Justice Minor
      • FAQ - BSW
    • Master of Social Work
      Back
      • Why the Garland School?
      • How to Apply
        Back
        • Navigating the Application
          Back
          • General Application Tips
          • Essays
          • Letters of Recommendation
          • Transcripts
        • Advanced Standing Requirements
        • Standard Requirements
        • Transfer Student Requirements
        • International Requirements
        • Admission Decision FAQ
        • Baylor BSW 5th Year Program
        • MSW Webinar Series
      • MSW Financial Aid
        Back
        • Residential MSW Tuition & Fees
        • Financial Aid Explained
        • AmeriCorps Partnership
        • City Year Partnership
      • MSW Curriculum
      • MSW Specializations
      • MSW Joint Degrees
      • MSW Field Education
      • MSW Inquiry Form
      • FAQ - MSW
    • Online Master of Social Work
    • PhD in Social Work
      Back
      • Greetings from the Directors
      • How to Apply
      • Financial Aid
      • Program of Study
        Back
        • Course Descriptions
      • Doctoral Faculty Research Interests
      • Events - PhD
      • FAQ - PhD
    • Field Education
      Back
      • BSW Students
        Back
        • BSW Field Application Process
        • BSW Generalist Practice Field Manual
      • MSW students
        Back
        • MSW Field Application Process
        • MSW Field Education Manual - Waco
        • MSW Field Education Manual - Online
      • Social Work Field Placement Agencies
      • Information for Field Faculty
      • Glossary/Terminology
      • Field Awards
    • Inquiry Form
    • Events
      Back
      • MSW Virtual Events
      • PhD Virtual Events
      • MSW Preview Day
      • Plan A Visit
      • Maps, parking and directions
    • Contact Us
    • Guardianship Education Certificate Program
  • Research & Impact
    Back
    • Research activities
    • Active research grants
    • Ongoing research and projects
      Back
      • Clergy Sexual Abuse research
      • SERVE Project
      • Mastering Your Marriage
    • Baylor IMPACT Research Lab - Houston
      Back
      • Meet Our Research Staff
      • Project Descriptions
    • Center for Church & Community Impact (C3i)
      Back
      • What we do
        Back
        • Wellness
        • Care and hospitality
        • Difficult conversations
        • Vulnerable children, individuals and families
      • How we do it
        Back
        • Resources
          Back
          • Addiction and Recovery
          • C3I Academic Articles
          • COVID-19
          • Congregational Social Work
          • Difficult Conversations
          • Foster Care & Adoption
          • Immigration & Hospitality
          • Intersection of Art, Social Work & Faith
          • LGBTQ+
          • Public Media Pieces by Partners
          • Racial Justice
          • Trauma
          • Walking Alongside Curriculum
            Back
            • Legacies of Care
            • Foundations of Holistic Ministry
            • Understanding Poverty
            • Stepping Stones
            • Backpacks
            • Pathways
            • Food for the Journey
        • Cultivating leaders
        • Church consultation
        • Research
      • Trauma-Sensitive Congregations
      • C3I Interest Form
      • LGBTQ+ Discernment Guide
      • Peer-Learning Cohorts: Building Resilient Congregations
    • Congregational Social Work Initiative
    • Diversity Initiative
      Back
      • Celebrating culture and diversity
      • Women's History Month 2023
      • Social Work Month 2023
      • Resources
        Back
        • Christianity & LGBTQ+ Persons - Justin Lee Lecture
        • Spanish fluency resources
      • Equity & Inclusion
    • Gerontology Initiative
    • Global Mission Leadership Initiative
      Back
      • Scholarship Components
        Back
        • Eligibility
        • Initiative Faculty and Collaborative Scholarship
        • Informational Webinars
      • GML Scholars Past and Present
      • How to Apply
        Back
        • GML Frequently Asked Questions
      • Give to GML
    • Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate Program
      Back
      • Components of the IBH Program
      • Continuing Education Opportunities in Primary Care Behavioral Health
      • Meet Our Alumni
      • Meet Our Staff
    • Trauma Initiative
    • The Writings of Alan Keith-Lucas
    • Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      Back
      • 2021 Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      • 2020 Gil Taylor Behavioral Health Symposium
      • History of the Gil Taylor Depression Awareness Alliance
  • Connect
    Back
    • Give
    • Alumni
      Back
      • GSSW Alumni Update Form
      • PhD-Community Connections
      • Alumni News - Class Notes
    • Baylor University Career Center
      Back
      • Job Search Resources
      • Licensure Information
    • Continuing Education
      Back
      • Dyer Ethics Workshop 2022
      • Guardianship Education Certificate Program
    • Post a Job Opportunity
    • Social Work Job Listings
    • Community Connection Magazine
  • Current Students
    Back
    • BSW
      Back
      • BSW Degree Requirements
      • BSW Financial Aid
      • BSW Advising
      • BSW Student Handbook 2022-23
      • Student organizations
      • Academic Actions
      • BSW Pass/Fail FAQ's
    • MSW
      Back
      • MSW Waco
        Back
        • Waco - General Info
        • Waco - New Student Resources
          Back
          • International Students
        • Waco - Curriculum
        • Waco - Registration
      • MSW Online
        Back
        • Online - General Information
        • Online - New Student Resources
        • Online - Curriculum
        • Online - Registration
    • PhD
      Back
      • PhD-Community Connections
    • Resources, events and traditions
    • Career services
    • Field Education
    • Student Development
      Back
      • Committee Members
      • GSSW Committees: Student Representation
      • Student Awards
      • Travel Scholarships
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Make a Gift
  • General Information
  • Academics & Research
  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Gateways for ...
  • About Baylor
  • Athletics
  • Ask Baylor
  • Bookstore
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Directory
  • Give Light
  • Give to Baylor
  • Illuminate
  • News
  • Pro Futuris
  • Search
  • Social Media
  • Baylor Libraries
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Graduate School
  • Hankamer School of Business
  • Honors College
  • Law School
  • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
  • Research at Baylor University
  • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Computer Science
  • School of Music
  • More Academics
  • Athletics
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Operations, Finance & Administration
  • Senior Administration
  • Student Life
  • University Advancement
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • goBAYLOR
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Baylor Law School Admissions
  • Social Work Graduate Programs
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Virtual Tour
  • Visit Campus
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Parents
  • Prospective Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • Students
  • Accessibility
  • Anonymous Reporting
  • Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice
  • Digital Privacy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Report It
  • Title IX
 
Baylor University
Copyright © Baylor® University. All rights reserved.
Baylor University • Waco, Texas 76798 • 1-800-229-5678