Department of Aging
The Department of Aging was established within the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR) in 2001. The department is active in teaching theoretical and some clinical subjects and also intensely research-active. Therefore, the academics and students are engaged in a variety of research activities. While many students graduated, numerous students are currently studying in our department. In this world class department all staff is committed to exemplary professional behavior, collaboration and support.
The department welcomes national and also international students at postgraduate level.
What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is one of the most respected and well recognized majors in health care and rehabilitation industry. Gerontology is a comprehensive study of aging process and problems of elderly individuals. It is the study of physical, mental, and social aspects of aging, the changes in society resulting from aging population and also the application of this knowledge to policies and programs. As a result of the multidisciplinary focus of gerontology, professionals from diverse fields call themselves "gerontologists". People are living longer than ever before and there is a demand for supporting the aging population.
The world population is aging quickly; therefore, there is a desire for gerontology education across the world. This area of health care would have an excellent career prospects in aged care industry and academic fields. Our graduates can work as policy makers, researchers, academics, and policy analysts, and work in the private sector.
Aims
The Department of Aging aims to promote, maintain and restore health and prevent disability in elderly population. We are going to undertake the best practice in education and research in a progressive and supportive environment for both educators and students.
Our vision is to prepare the highest quality gerontology students. Our mission is to introduce students with the latest world knowledge of gerontology and perform innovative research.
Toward achieving the aforementioned vision and mission, our department members work incredibly hard to provide excellent research and dynamic education. Throughout this aim we work in collaboration with other universities at national and international levels.
Teaching
Together, with the Iranian Research Center on Aging at USWR, the department serves as a focal point for research, education and information on aging population. We teach postgraduate students at MPH, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Postdoctoral research fellowships based on a fully integrated curriculum that combines self-directed learning opportunities with high quality lectures and tutorials. Students have access to the comprehensive advanced study and some clinical training and teaching, library and recreation facilities of the only rehabilitation university in the region.
Research
Research is the foundation for teaching in the department. Our department has an internationally recognized research program in different areas of bio, psycho and social aspects of aging.