Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
NPEP-0006
Organization:
Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
Estimated 28 hours (self-study)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Upper-Division Baccalaureate 1 Sociology, Psychology, or Gerontology
Description

Objective:

To provide students with the first of a two part series of an introductory course in gerontology. The course helps students understand the impact of aging on society as well as the process of aging and old age as a state of life; and provide an introduction to bio-psycho-social aging through six themes, including lifespan development, person-environment interaction, optimal quality of life, cross-cultural considerations, how aging is studied, and access to resources in a new age.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Be familiar with both the advantages and disadvantages of longitudinal and cross-sectional methods of studying age
  • Understand the different aspects of researching the biology of aging, such as the biological changes that occur with aging and how they affect appearance, strength, stamina, and resistance to disease, the environmental and programmed theories of aging, and the future of research in this area
  • Have knowledge of how factors of physical fitness, nutrition, gender, and ethnicity affect the body as well as the changes that take place in sexual functioning and some of the avenues older adults without spouses use for affection and intimacy
  • Have knowledge of how and why attitudes toward older people have changed over time as well as the impact that changing age structure has on society
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
Supplemental Materials