Behavioural Gerontology and Aging Support

As behaviour analysis continues to expand beyond traditional service areas, behavioural gerontology is emerging as an important and rapidly developing specialty focused on supporting older adults and individuals living with dementia. Behavioural gerontology applies evidence-based behavioural principles to areas such as: maintaining independence, reducing disengagement, supporting daily living skills, improving quality of life, and developing compassionate, non-pharmacological approaches to behavioural challenges associated with aging and neurocognitive conditions. We particularly enjoyed discovering the work of Zoe Lucock and Enrich Behavioral Gerontology, which offers accessible CEU courses and resources exploring dementia care, aging, autonomy, engagement, and ethical support for older adults through a behaviour-analytic lens. Interesting introductory resources include: Introduction to Behavioral Gerontology Course Understanding Dementia from a Behavioral Perspective As Switzerland — like much of Europe — faces a rapidly aging population, this area may represent an important future direction for interdisciplinary behavioural support and research.