Meet Gerontologist Carla Garcia: by CSULB MSG student, April Bonus

Carla Garcia is a dedicated professional in the field of Gerontology who demonstrates the impact of passion and purpose in making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. Carla and I discussed her journey of compassion, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of the aging population. She holds a bachelor's degree in human development and a gerontology certificate from California State University, Long Beach. Her career began at an adult day care center, where she developed care plans and connected older adults to resources. After four years, Carla knew she wanted to deepen her impact on the community, connecting more seniors to opportunities.  

Carla’s career turned into an exciting journey when she interviewed for an outreach position. When asked about her dream job, she described her passion for teaching older adults how to use technology to stay connected and combat loneliness or isolation. To her surprise, one of the panelists informed her about a new digital literacy program for seniors and caregivers and asked Carla if she would like to be part of the team. Today, Carla is content in her current role at SCAN, Independence at Home, where she works as a Digital Coach/ Technology Assistant. She assists older adults and caregivers in accessing health services online, linking to their doctors through telehealth, and teaching them how to use social media apps to stay connected with their families and friends.

Carla talked about her continued inspiration as a Gerontologist. Earlier in her career, she witnessed the growing needs of older adults, recognizing the disparity and limited resources for older adults compared to other vulnerable groups. She wants to improve the quality of life of older individuals. She believes that her small actions can significantly impact on the daily lives of older adults. This keeps her motivated, as she says, “The ability to bring comfort or just a moment of joy to someone is incredibly rewarding".

Her goal as a gerontologist is promising. Through active interaction with older adults, she ensures they feel valued, respected, and heard, especially those struggling with chronic illnesses and independence.

Finally, Carla advises those starting their journey in Gerontology to pursue their passion. What you choose to do will resonate with others, especially with older adults, "Believe me, they know and feel it." Carla’s story is a reminder that the simplest gestures can make a difference in the lives of many, and in humble ways, they can come back to us in unexpected ways.