Gerontology 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:

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

Learning Activity

• BIO-125 Biology of Aging (3.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-540 Human Development: Aging Person (3.00 cr.) *
• BIO-125 Biology of Aging (3.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-540 Human Development: Aging Person (3.00 cr.) *
• Field Experience **
• HDFL-255 Lifespan Human Development (3.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-541 Family Caregiving to Dependent Elders (1.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-625 Death Education and Counseling in Families (2.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-351 Death and the Family (1.00 cr.) *
• HDFL-545 Health Care Dilemmas and Decisions for Families (2.00 cr.) *
• FN-605 Nutrition for the Aged (2.00 cr.) *
• BURTL-535 Retail Grocery
• COUN-694 Counseling Older Persons
• HT-488 Financial Planning for Retirement (2.00 cr.) *
• HLTH-365 Physiology of Exercise (3.00 cr.) *
• BIO-220 Physiology of Disabilities (3.00 cr.) *
• REHAB-230 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability (3.00 cr.) *
• REHAB-682 Sexuality and Disability (2.00 cr) *
• REHAB-555 Rehabilitation of the Older Disabled Work (2.00 cr.) *
• REHAB-658 Rehabilitation Support System Networking (2.00 cr.) *
• LIT-450 Aging in Literature (3.00 cr.) *
• HT-560 Hospitality and the Handicapped Traveler (1.00 cr.) *
• REHAB-560 Assistive Technology (2.00 cr.) *
• BIO-358 Introduction to Pharmacology (2.00 cr.) *

Evaluation

*Exam, papers, reports 2.0 grade point average
**Evaluation of field experience