The Department of Food and Nutrition has been offering a one year Post Graduate Diploma
in Health and Social Gerontology. With the increasing focus on elderly in national policy and
program planning, there is a greater demand for trained professionals to work in areas of
training, research and welfare of older persons. With more funding from the Government,
greater numbers of non-governmental agencies and community based organizations will work
with senior citizens and hence need trained personnel in this area. Increasing number of
hospitals are getting geriatric wards and clinics. Besides geriatric wards in hospitals, old age
homes and similar institutions, newer models of old age care are emerging in India.
Residential care tailored to needs of the senior citizens, assisted living and day care facilities
are increasingly being offered by the private sector. Specialised leisure, travel and
entertainment, hospitality, food and infrastructure services catering to older adults are also
emerging as potential business models.
Programme Learning Outcomes:
Gerontology is an upcoming and growing area; thus after
completing the Post graduate Diploma in Health and Social Gerontology, the participants will
be able to:
Engage in direct services for older adults like old age homes, residential and day care
facilities, rehabilitation services in the government and private sector.
Initiate and sustain research, training, welfare programmes and services for older
adults.
Be active members of inter-disciplinary teams working with older adults in hospitals,
institutions and the community.
Supervise and train field functionaries especially paraprofessionals and volunteers.
Actively contribute to the work of NGOs, CBOs, both national and international
working in this area.
Initiate entrepreneurial ventures in care of elderly.
For more details, the candidates may refer to syllabus and course structure available on the
website of University of Delhi at: