Contents

AGNG 160 The Aging Process: Gerontology

This course will focus on the physiological, psychological, and social changes that impact the aging population. In addition, students will focus on assessment and counseling skills relevant to preserving independence in the aged and meeting the health needs of the aging population.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Summarize the theories, myths, and stereotypes about aging.
  2. 2. Identify biological and psychological changes which occur in the normal aging process.
  3. 3. Understand that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not a normal part of the aging
    process.
  4. 4. Identify the services, including alternatives to institutionalization, available to seniors through
    government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.
  5. 5. Explain the myths and realities about sexual activity during later years.
  6. 6. Identify the stressors of caregiving, warning signs of elder abuse, and issues of crime
    targeting the senior population.
  7. 7. Identify the factors that contribute to loss of independence in later years.
  8. 8. Understand the dying process, and identify stages of dying and bereavement.
  9. 9. Analyze different perspectives of varied cultural groups in relation to the aging process and
    dying and formulate your own opinion of the right to die process controversy.
  10. 10.Understand the special needs and circumstances of elderly women.
  11. 11.Discuss and formulate position statements on Medicare/Medicaid.
  12. 12.Identify and evaluate evidence delineating an issue or topic of concern for the elderly, and
    apply the information to solve the problem.

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Summarize the theories, myths, and stereotypes about aging.
  2. 2. Identify biological and psychological changes which occur in the normal aging process.
  3. 3. Understand that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not a normal part of the aging
    process.
  4. 4. Identify the services, including alternatives to institutionalization, available to seniors through
    government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.
  5. 5. Explain the myths and realities about sexual activity during later years.
  6. 6. Identify the stressors of caregiving, warning signs of elder abuse, and issues of crime
    targeting the senior population.
  7. 7. Identify the factors that contribute to loss of independence in later years.
  8. 8. Understand the dying process, and identify stages of dying and bereavement.
  9. 9. Analyze different perspectives of varied cultural groups in relation to the aging process and
    dying and formulate your own opinion of the right to die process controversy.
  10. 10.Understand the special needs and circumstances of elderly women.
  11. 11.Discuss and formulate position statements on Medicare/Medicaid.
  12. 12.Identify and evaluate evidence delineating an issue or topic of concern for the elderly, and
    apply the information to solve the problem.