As millions of the Baby Boom generation cross the thin gray line in the next decade, a huge chunk of health care jobs will cater to their needs. All Baby Boomers will move into the older population by 2030, U.S. census projection shows, and with that comes the need to expand the number of geriatric specialists. According to Dr Scott Winter, a geriatric psychiatrist, the health of the brain and body are closely linked, thus holistic approach is needed in patient care. This means mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which sometimes take a back seat, should be treated like any other physical diseases like diabetes or heart problems, Winter said in an interview with the Fort Worth Business Press. "Demand for psychiatric aides in residential facilities will rise in response to increases in the number of older persons, many of whom will require mental health services," the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted in its 2010-2011 outlook. The bureau projected that the overall employment of nursing and psychiatric aides will grow 18% through 2018, adding that entry requirements can be met by taking up nursing and psychiatric aide training offered in many high schools, vocational centers and community colleges.  |