Gerontology (GERO)

Description: Introduction to social gerontology and human development in later life; emphasis on important elements of aging, such as socialization, family interaction, retirement, physical and psychological aging, and perceptions of older persons in contemporary society.

Description: Interdisciplinary survey of literature in the field of thanatology with an emphasis on working with the older patient and his or her family.

Description: Introduction to the field of education for and about the aging. Institutions and processes of education will be analyzed to determine their relationships and value to persons who are now old and those who are aging.

Description: For students in gerontology and in other fields who are interested in a humanistic approach to understanding significant issues which affect the lives of older people.

Description: Role of leisure services as related to understanding and working with elders. Emphasis on recreation programming as a mode of intervention. Analysis and study of the phases of aging, with reference to psychomotor, affective, and cognitive changes; introduction to the theories of aging and how they relate to the lifestyle of this population; recreational therapy intervention, activity adaptation and program design; leisure education and issues and trends.

Description: Major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change including their implications for behavior.

Description: Mental health needs of older adults. Identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families.

Description: Consideration of the legal concerns which are likely to arise as people age. Includes introduction to the American legal system and emphasis on underlying legal concepts and issues of special importance to older persons.

Description: Investigation of the broad range of policy issues, theoretical concerns, and practical management strategies influencing the design, organization, and delivery of long-term care services.

Description: Provides an in-depth understanding of the various housing options available to older adults including aging in place to hospice. Gain a working knowledge of the needs of older adults and how this is used in making decisions about housing.

Description: Psychological, sociological, and physiological factors that influence the health of the aging, with particular emphasis given to biological changes that have implications for disease and health disorders.

Description: Understand the relationship between nutrition and aging. Review the basics of good nutrition and relate them to the food intake of older adults. Identify the impact of poor nutrition and examine its role in various disease states associated with aging. Provide information about nutrition assessment, requirements, and available supportive services to ensure good nutrition for those living independently. Apply what is learned into actual practice and for your benefit as you age.

Description: Historical overview of programs for the elderly, to examine the national policy process as it relates to the older American, and to review the principles and practices relative to the existing national programs for the aged.

Description: Interdisciplinary course designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of the elderly within four major minority groups and to examine various service systems and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting needs of minority elderly.

Description: Marketing decisions and strategies apply to all businesses and are influenced by the target market. The economic realities and the character of America will change due to shifting demographics of baby boomers. Businesses that understand the power of the baby boomers will succeed; failure to understand that power may lead to economic consequences. Students from many disciplines will benefit from this cross-referenced course blending the realities of gerontology with the predictions of baby boomer behavior and the resulting impact to all businesses.

Description: Examination of mid-life as it applies to the concept of second careers, existing resources, and the future of second careers; and the concept and practical implications of preretirement planning.

Description: Designed to involve students in the recognition of fears, concerns, and needs of dying patients and their families by examining the hospice concept and other services available in our community. Factual information, readings, professional presentations, films, and experiential exercises are offered to aid the student in understanding that hospice is an alternative to the traditional medical model so that when the "cure" system is no longer functional, then the "care" system, hospice, can be offered.

Description: Provides a foundation for the recognition of the need to implement palliative medical care. Using current texts and literature, video and podcast lectures by colleagues, and review of case and topics, study the definitions, purposes, and benefits of palliative medical care. Learn the avenues and ways to implement palliative care to provide care that promotes well-being.

Description: Special studies designed around the interests and needs of the individual student in such areas as the psychology, sociology, economics, or politics of aging, as well as operation of various service systems. May be either a literature review project or a field project in which experience is gained in the community identifying and analyzing needs and services related to older people.

Description: Opportunity for students to share field experiences; to obtain guidance concerning various relationships with agency, staff, and clients; and to develop a broadly based perspective of the field of aging.

Description: Independent research project supervised by department/school faculty.