Mission Statement

In an effort to strengthen the combination of clinical, educational and research programs, the Institute of Gerontology at National Cheng Kung University brings together scholars of geriatrics and gerontology as well as other related science and work as a multidisciplinary team for promoting successful aging in education, research and service.

As the first and only graduate institute of gerontology in Taiwan, the Institute faces several major challenges that include the advancement of academic knowledge in research and training in geriatrics and gerontology. The main goals of the Institute include the followings:

a. Providing students with a gerontology specialization training with theory and practical skills;
b. Developing a leadership vision with an integrated view on issues related to aging;
c. Nurturing an independent study ability to observe and adapt social change in Taiwan;
d. Creating an enthusiasm for social and human services; and
e. Promoting a global perspective and international cooperation.

The Institute is an integrated unit of the College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University. It aims to combine physical, psychological and social aspects of aging to allow both students of medicine and of social sciences to develop a holistic view of the aging process and to better prepare to serve the elderly in Taiwan. The aged are seen as both productive and consuming. Six major areas of concentration can be found in our curriculum: 1) biological aging, 2) psychological gerontology, 3) social gerontology, 4) urban planning and environment, 5) aging policy, service delivery and management, and 6) research methodology and statistics. Students are encouraged to develop a multi-dimensional perspective in their study of aging.

Purpose of Establishment

Gerontology is an integrated and multidisciplinary field consisting of studying the individual experience of normal aging processes in the physical, psychological and social dimensions and the processes of the development of aging societies. Our departmental curriculum focuses on integrated teaching and research. It aims to provide graduate students the necessary knowledge, policy-making concepts and innovative services models in the field of gerontology.

From there, they can increase their expertise, broaden their worldview, and enhance their interdisciplinary knowledge and coordination capabilities. In line with the University’s mission, the program also intends to inspire the students’ enthusiasm for social services by humanities and social caring, and enhance their abilities of international perspectives and international cooperation.