| Introduction to Gerontology
Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field focused on the social, psychological, and health aspects of aging. It goes beyond nursing home management, involving education, research, and policy consulting to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults. By studying their needs and preferences, gerontologists help shape better services and promote respect for aging. As global populations age, the field's importance continues to grow, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing aging as a valuable, natural process.
Gerontology graduates have diverse career opportunities, including managing modern aging centers like day care and home care facilities that promote social engagement for older adults. In Iran, the aging population creates strong job prospects in this field. Graduates can also contribute to shaping social and health policies, conduct research on aging trends and their impacts, and develop technology-based solutions such as telehealth, online counseling, and social platforms to support older adults. Given these roles, training specialists in gerontology is a vital social investment to enhance the well-being and integration of older adults in society.
History, Introduction and Strategy of the Geriatric Health Department
Since 2013, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences has offered a Master’s in Geriatric Health and, since 2017, a PhD in Gerontology, currently enrolling 35 students. The Gerontology Department aims to promote active aging through high-quality, evidence-based education. Faculty members specialize in diverse areas such as geriatric medicine, psychology, sociology, rehabilitation, nutrition, ethics, and health assessment. In addition to training their own graduate students, the department also provides educational services to students from other disciplines. Postgraduate courses in Gerontology at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences begin each October and prepare graduates to assess needs, prioritize issues, and deliver health care for older adults. The program combines theory, practical training, internships, and independent research. Each student is supported by a supervisor and an advisor throughout their thesis project, which must be defended in person.
Vision of the Geriatric Health Department
The Geriatric Health Department of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences envisions becoming a leading academic and professional authority in elderly health promotion, both nationally and regionally. Building on its pioneering role in Iran, the department is committed to advancing the quality of its educational programs, cultivating a highly skilled workforce, and fostering innovation in geriatric care. In alignment with the Comprehensive Scientific Map of the Country, it strives to shape evidence-based policies, empower future leaders in aging health, and evolve into a distinguished center of excellence for elderly healthcare in the Middle East.
Mission of the Geriatric Health Department
In alignment with the objectives of the Comprehensive Scientific Map of the Country, the strategic policies of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and the mission of the School of Public Health at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, the Geriatric Health Group is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of older adults through education, research, and service.
The group is committed to: - Addressing societal health needs through evidence-based planning and service innovation.
- Upholding core values, social responsibility, and national policy frameworks in all academic and professional activities.
- Harnessing the collective expertise of faculty, specialists, students, and institutional resources to improve elderly health outcomes.
To fulfill this mission, the group actively engages in: - Educating and training students at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels in geriatric health sciences.
- Supporting fundamental and applied research projects and graduate theses.
- Organizing specialized workshops, training programs, and continuing education courses.
- Collaborating with academic departments, research centers, and healthcare institutions at local, national, regional, and international levels to generate impactful, evidence-based solutions.
- Hosting scientific seminars, conferences, lectures, and journal clubs to foster knowledge exchange.
- Publishing scholarly articles and books with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and social justice—contributing to sustainable development in aging care.
Additionally, the group prioritizes the development of skilled, compassionate professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of aging populations through modern approaches in education, research, care delivery, and health system management. By strengthening academic and leadership capacities, the Geriatric Health Group prepares its members to take on influential roles in shaping the future of elderly healthcare at all levels.
Objectives of the Geriatric Health Department
1. Develop Skilled and Responsive Human Resources - Conduct educational needs assessments among students, graduates, and stakeholders to align curricula with societal and healthcare system demands.
- Integrate digital technologies to deliver at least 30% of course content electronically.
- Ensure graduates meet national competency standards in education, research, care, and management.
2. Generate Evidence-Based Scientific Knowledge - Prioritize applied research in at least 60% of postgraduate theses to address real-world challenges in geriatric health.
- Implement evidence-based methodologies in at least 40% of research projects.
- Publish at least 25% of faculty research in high-impact journals (impact factor ≥ 2).
- Disseminate research findings through national/international databases and public knowledge translation efforts.
3. Continuously Improve Curriculum and Educational Programs - Regularly revise curricula based on feedback from faculty and students to ensure academic relevance and rigor.
- Design and implement in-person and virtual training programs based on identified needs.
- Collaborate with other departments and institutions to enhance interdisciplinary learning and research.
4. Promote Public Health and Social Responsibility - Partner with healthcare organizations to educate the public on healthy aging and promote social responsibility.
- Admit students across academic levels to meet workforce needs in elderly care.
5. Monitor and Evaluate Student Progress - Establish robust systems for tracking academic performance and ensuring continuous improvement.
6. Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education and Research - Use AI for personalized learning, academic performance analysis, and research support.
- Offer AI training workshops for faculty and students to enhance digital literacy and innovation.
7. Embrace Emerging Technologies - Adopt digital learning platforms and interactive tools to support flexible, accessible education.
- Create learning environments that accommodate diverse student needs and preferences.
8. Strengthen Industry and Community Partnerships - Collaborate with public and private sector organizations to align education with labor market needs.
- Foster opportunities for internships, joint projects, and applied research through partnerships with:
- State Welfare Organization
- Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation
- Municipalities and provincial governments
- Provincial health departments
- NGOs focused on aging and elderly welfare (e.g., Farzangan Foundation, age-friendly centers)
Research Priorities of the Geriatric Health Department 2024-2025 - Development and evaluation of elder care models and caregiving systems.
- Empowerment of older adults with a focus on promoting healthy, active aging and enhancing self-care capabilities.
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors among older adults.
- Health and well-being of older women living alone.
- Development and application of technologies to support aging populations.
- Utilization of artificial intelligence to improve health outcomes in older adults.
- Raising public awareness and fostering cultural change around aging to combat ageism, stereotypes, and elder mistreatment.
- Prevention, diagnosis, and management of common geriatric syndromes (e.g., sleep disorders, urinary incontinence, constipation, malnutrition, falls, sensory impairments, frailty, depression).
- Environmental adaptation for aging populations, with an emphasis on designing age-friendly cities and communities.
- Enhancing social participation, volunteerism, and intergenerational engagement to reduce social isolation among older adults.
- Preservation and promotion of mental health in aging populations.
- Effective pain management strategies for older adults.
- Ensuring safe and appropriate medication use in older adults.
- Legal, ethical, and regulatory issues related to aging, including challenges in elder rights and care ethics
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