HS 223 Aging: Theory and Practice

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Introduces the field of gerontology. Explores the relationship between the aging individual and society. Presents information on theory and practice, including: behavioral responses to the normal aging process, healthy adaptation to aging, substance use and disorders, and diagnosis and treatment of common organic and functional mental disorders. Examines how discrimination of the aging population arises from culturally defined meanings attributed to difference.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the field of gerontology and the reasons for studying aging.
Compare the major theories of aging.
Describe the aging population in the United States including characteristics, changing population trends, and diversity of individuals.
Understand drug and alcohol abuse and addiction among the older population.
Review social, health, economic, and government policies relative to the older population.
Describe major psychological, social, economic, and physical aspects of aging and their social consequences for the individual and society.
Identify common organic and functional mental disorders and describe the process of assessment and treatment of the disorders.
Describe attitudes toward death, dying, and bereavement in the elderly.
Analyze discrimination and its consequences on older adults.

Content Outline

The Field of Gerontology
- Issues in research on aging
- Life course framework
- Micro and macro theories on aging
- Demography of aging in the United States
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging
- Social programs
- Biological aging
- Aging and cognitive change
Social Aspects of Aging
- Family relationships and social support
- Living arrangements
- Work and retirement
Health Aspects of Later Life
- Health and health care
- Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction
- Caring for the frail elderly
- Dying, death, and bereavement
Aging and Society
- Economics of aging
- Poverty and inequality
- The theory of cumulative disadvantage
- Race, ethnicity, gender and inequality
The History and Politics of Aging
- Historical and cross-cultural aspects of aging
- Future trends in aging
- Political activism among the elderly