Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Saint Joseph’s College Online 
    
2013-2014 Saint Joseph’s College Online [Archived Catalog]

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HA 655 - Gerontology


Discusses current theories of psychosocial and biological processes of aging and how these interact and affect the aging individual. It examines the environment of the older person, including housing, transportation, and access to support services. Special issues involving rural, urban, minority and poor elderly persons are examined. The emerging implications of leisure, as well as employment of the elderly, are considered.

Assignment Overview
  • Assignments: 4 Units
  • Final Assessment: Final Paper
  • Interactivity: Discussion Board




Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following: 

  • Recognize and refute the prevalent myths about aging in contemporary U.S. society. 
  • Describe the key demographic characteristics of older adults that may impact the field of health administration. 
  • Analyze the factors that may influence life expectancy, especially the achievement of extreme longevity. 
  • Apply the major theories of aging from biology, psychology, and sociology to understand the aging process in U.S. society. 
  • Examine age-history, period-cohort effects as they relate to an individuals experience of aging. 
  • Identify the important cultural competencies needed to serve elder health consumers of diverse racial-ethnic backgrounds. 
  • Develop a public policy model that is responsive to the long-term care provided by families and informal support networks. 
  • Identify ways in which GeroTechnology can be used in providing home-based care by family and informal support networks. 
  • View the range of functions served by spirituality and faith-based practices in elder care across the continuum. 
  • Recognize the ethical issues central to end-of-life care and decision making. 
  • Envision older adults as mentors, teaching us how to prepare for our future selves.


Credits: 3



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