Personal identity (see [Personal] Identity Theory), the most elementary of the four identities, was pioneered by American sociological social psychologists (SSPs), particularly Sheldon Stryker. SSPs emphasize how demographic, social, and cultural factors affect human social interaction.
Gerontology, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is âthe comprehensive study of aging and the problems of the aged.â Many people confuse gerontology with geriatrics. Whereas geriatrics focuses strictly on the medical conditions and disease of the aging, gerontology is a multidisciplinary study that incorporates biology, psychology and sociology. Because gerontology deals with multi-faceted aspects of aging, gerontology professionals can be found in a variety of industries including health care, government, nonprofits and the business community.
Rather, this decision is determined by the individual patient's needs, and the availability of a specialist. It is important to note the difference between geriatrics, the care of aged people, and gerontology, which is the study of the aging process itself.