What is gerontology?

Gerontology is defined as the study of the aging process. This field encompasses a broad range of topics, including the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Researchers and practitioners in gerontology focus on understanding how individuals age, the challenges they face as they grow older, and how society can better support the elderly population.

The significance of gerontology lies in its ability to inform policies, health care practices, and community programs that cater to older adults, promoting their well-being and quality of life. Understanding the aging process is critical, especially as populations around the world are experiencing significant increases in the number of older adults.

The other choices relate to different fields of study. Human behavior pertains to psychology, social interactions concern sociology and social psychology, and physical health relates more to medicine and health sciences rather than a specific focus on the aging process. These fields, while interconnected, do not encapsulate the comprehensive study of aging that gerontology represents.