Citation

Kohn N, Brown M, Doron I. Gerontology 2019; 65(1): 98-102.

Affiliation

Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000489883

PMID

29920504

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Academics have long called for greater interaction between gerontologists and legal scholars. However, prior studies have suggested that disciplinary borders remain a barrier to such interaction, hampering gerontology's ability to function as a truly multi- or interdisciplinary field.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to understand the nature of current interactions between legal scholars and gerontologists, and to identify opportunities to advance scientific dialogue and cooperation between the two.

METHODS: Semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 27 participants (12 elder law scholars, 15 gerontologists) were conducted by phone, recorded, and analyzed by an interdisciplinary team.

RESULTS: Both elder law scholars and gerontologists indicate that their field would benefit from research collaboration and cross-disciplinary teaching with the other field, but the fields remain distinct with little cross-disciplinary learning. Participants identified a series of opportunities, however, for increasing such learning and collaboration.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors identify ways gerontologists can be encouraged to integrate elder law into their teaching and research, and suggest how this integration could enhance understanding of the aging experience.

© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Language: en

Keywords

Cross-disciplinary training; Elder Law; Geriatric jurisprudence; Gerontological education; Law and ageing