What is the study of aging known as?

The study of aging is known as gerontology. This field encompasses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, aiming to understand the process and implications of growing older. Gerontology examines how aging affects individuals and society as a whole, including health care needs, age-related diseases, and the impact of aging on mental health and social structures.

The term "geriatric" refers specifically to the medical care of older adults, typically focusing on the treatment of age-related conditions. "Ageology" is not a widely recognized term in the scientific community; it may confuse students as there is no formal discipline by that name. Thanatology, on the other hand, pertains to the study of death and the process of dying, which is separate from the broader study of aging itself. Understanding the distinction between these terms helps clarify the specific focus of gerontology in the context of the aging population.