Gerontology (GEY)

This course examines the psychological, physical, and social aspects of the aging process. In addition to introducing students to aging studies, this course also fosters personal reflection on values and attitudes towards aging and the elderly. This is a designated diversity-dedicated course.

This course includes an introduction and demographics of aging, social gerontology, pathophysiology (physical changes), cognitive and psychosocial changes, sensory and perceptual changes, pharmacotherapy, nutrition, counseling, oral health, sexuality, death and dying, and ethical perspectives, and health policy issues with the elderly.

Consideration of human aging in a broad sociocultural context. Course emphasis will be on historical, philosophic, and demographic aspects of aging, theories of social gerontology, attitudes toward aging and the aged, cross-cultural perspectives on aging, the sociology of retirement, and aging and the community.