Apr 19, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
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2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED]

Gerontology Specialization

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Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Human Services

The Gerontology Specialization furthers inclusivity efforts at UW-Stout by preparing students to responsibly and ethically meet the needs of a growing aging population worldwide and engage in a diverse workforce. The population aged 65 and older in the United States is expected to double from 46 million to 96 million by 2060 and the population aged 80 and over is expected to triple. In Wisconsin, a 72% increase in the population aged 65 and older is projected through 2040, with 18 counties having one-third or more of their total population in this age group. Older adults are staying in the workforce longer and, in rural places like WI, more older adults are aging in place as younger individuals move elsewhere. 

With the Gerontology Specialization, students at UW-Stout are well-positioned to enhance the positive developments that stem from these trends as well as address related challenges in their local, state, national, and global communities.  According to the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, “The demand for professionals with expertise in aging is growing rapidly…The field of gerontology and aging is very diverse, offering different employment opportunities. This diversity exists because older persons are different from each other. For example, many older persons are healthy and active. Persons working with these older people might be providing educational opportunities, recreation and leisure programs, and volunteer activities. Some older persons are frail and less active. Jobs which relate to these more vulnerable elders might be in long-term care, health care settings or agencies that deliver services to older persons. The relative newness of the field means that there are opportunities for innovative ideas, new programs and products.”  While the Gerontology Specialization is relevant to a wide-range of careers and job titles, it is most applicable to students in the following undergraduate and graduate programs at UW-Stout: Applied Social Science, Business Administration, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, Health, Wellness and Fitness, Healthcare Administration, Human Development and Family Studies, Interior Design, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Rehabilitation Services. 

References
Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. (2019). Careers in aging. Retrieved from: https://www.aghe.org/resources/careers-in-aging
Mather, M. (2016). Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. Population Reference Bureau. Retrieved from: https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2019). Demographics of aging in Wisconsin. Retrieved from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/demographics.htm 

Requirements for the Specialization

Intended Outcome

The following outcomes will be achieved through required courses:

  1. Identify major biological theories of aging.
  2. Identify and describe the biological changes associated with aging.
  3. Recognize normal and pathological changes that occur in organ systems with age.
  4. Comprehend the social, political and economic aspects of aging.
  5. Recognize and discard stereotypes associated with aging.
  6. Work in direct or indirect service to the older population.

The following outcomes may be achieved through the student’s selection of elective courses:

  1. Understand lifespan concept of development and demonstrate an integrated knowledge of the aging individual within the context of family.
  2. Understand the reciprocal nature of family caregiving.
  3. Understand the process of grief for older adults.
  4.  Recognize personal and cultural attitudes toward death.
  5. Identify and understand the ethical issues related to health care for the elderly.
  6. Demonstrate ability to plan and develop nutritious meals and programs for older individuals which take into account physical and financial limitations.
  7. Assist aging individuals, especially those with physical limitations, to find suitable and aesthetically pleasing clothing. Understand the product needs of older consumers and the promotional strategies used to market to this population.
  8. Understand counseling approaches and techniques for working with aging families in order to construct models for counseling older individuals and their families.
  9. Assist older individuals and their families with financial planning.
  10. Identify the effects of exercise upon an older individual.
  11. Explain the psychological and physiological dimensions and impact of disability from a developmental perspective.
  12. Identify needs and difficulties unique to older disabled workers.
  13. Identify formal support systems available to older persons with special needs or national, state and local needs.
  14. Explain various understandings of the meaning of aging as portrayed in literature.
  15. Identify architectural barriers confronted by the disabled traveler.
  16. Understand the range of technological options available to assist frail and/ or disabled elderly.
  17. Identify and describe absorption and metabolism of medications in the elderly.

Core Curriculum (5 credits)

Selectives (15 credits)

15 credits must be selected from the following:

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