Courses

• Introduction to Applied Gerontology Education Spring Semester

  This course provides a foundation for further study of aging and the development of improved services to aging individuals and populations. The multiple dimensions of aging are considered - physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social - as are the phenomena associated with the interaction between aging and society. Upon completion of the course, learners will have successfully completed a number of learning objectives including the ability to differentiate between the myths and realities of aging, identify and analyze elements that promote successful aging by individuals and within populations, recognize cultural, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation and ethical and religious differences among older people, and identify changes associated with normal aging.

  This course is listed on BuckeyeLink as MEDCOLL 7790

• Interdisciplinary Case Studies in Clinical Gerontology Summer Semester

  We are living longer and often with more chronic rather than acute problems. These issues may involve care from several different disciplines as well as understanding the home environments and families of older adults. Increasingly we are organizing care and support in a more holistic manner around the needs and desires of the older person rather than within various care systems. Truly their care now rests on a three-legged stool, with the older adult, family or informal caregivers, and professionals as the three legs. All three are needed in order to provide the best assistance to older adults. Therefore it is important that we understand the different perspectives that each brings to the caregiving experience and that the wishes of the older adult should govern the selection of care options wherever possible.
  
  Since care is provided by a variety of professionals such as social workers, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, speech and hearing therapists, and nurses, it is important to understand the background of these disciplines and how they can work together. Interdisciplinary case studies on a wide variety of issues will be used as the teaching tool for in-depth study of this care.

  This course is listed on BuckeyLink as HTHRHSC 7650S.

• Issues and Trends in Aging Fall Semester

  Never before has it been more important for providers, funders, administrators, and evaluators to work collaboratively to deliver, promote, and assure patient/client centered care.  A broad understanding of the social, political, and economic environment that both informs and drives our ability to promote and provide responsive services is crucial yet often difficult to obtain.

  This course will introduce you to select national, state and local policy issues related to caring for an older population.  Regardless of your practice setting, the broader political and social framework and policy considerations impact your ability to serve our aging population. We will focus on major social changes and issues related to the aging of our population and we will use a problem-based approach to address a number of important controversies.  

  This course is listed on BuckeyeLink as MEDCOLL 7795.