Gerontology

This comprehensive course provides an overview of the field of gerontology. We are living in an aging society, one in which the older population is growing both in absolute numbers and proportion to all other age groups. This aging is accompanied by a demand for new products and services appropriate to the needs of older people. This multidisciplinary course will assist the student in understanding physical, mental and social changes in older people as they age. It will include the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our diverse aging population. This course also introduces students to such salient topics as the common myths and stereotypes about aging and older adults. Opportunity for experiential learning is made possible through a service-learning component. Students serve the elderly by working with the residents at a local long-term facility.

The purpose of this course is to study the area of gerontology that is concerned with impact of social and socio-cultural conditions on the process of aging and with the social consequences of this process. It will explore how the older population and the varieties of aging experiences both affect and are affected by the social structure. Questions about what societal resources will be required to support the growing older population.

This course examines psychological development of old age. Perceptual, cognitive, learning, and motivational processes are studied in relation to the physical changes that individuals experience and the social worlds they inhabit in adulthood. Personality, morality, sex-role, intelligence, intimacy and careers are some of the topics considered within a developmental perspective.

Dying is the last stage of living. The dying process is as individual as each person is unique. This course will help the student develop a positive attitude toward death and dying and provide a knowledge base for working with individuals and their families. Medical technology has the capacity to prolong life. This and the changing legal and moral attitudes have contributed to many ethical issues and dilemmas. These will be investigated and possible solutions explored. An experiential learning component involving hospice and palliative care is a requirement of this course.

An introductory study of a specific topic in Gerontology. Intended for freshmen and sophomores, or for students with little or no background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

An intensive study of aging from an interdisciplinary perspective. The purpose of this course is to contribute knowledge essential for meeting the challenges of an aging society. An examination of the profound effect on individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. Family relationships, the composition of the work force, housing needs, healthcare services, public policies, and the marketing of products and services are explored. Opportunity for experiential learning is made possible through a service-learning component. Students serve in a variety of community agencies that are part of the Aging Network.

Many institutional policies and programs are in place to deal with individual aging but our society needs to begin to address the issues generated by population aging. During the 20th century nearly three decades have been added to human life expectancy. Today nearly a third of adult life may be spent in retirement. This course will allow the student to study the economics and the policies of aging. The challenge is to reexamine the policies and practices, such as retirement, pensions and other familiar government programs such as social security and Medicare.

Recent improvements in health care and disease prevention mean that most people will remain in relatively good health. This course will provide the nurse and other health care workers essential knowledge and tools to assist the older adults and their families remain physically, emotionally and spiritually well. Students will explore the influence of gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status on health. Diseases common to the older adult will also be studied and how to best assist the older adult to live with a chronic illness.

This practicum offers the certificate program students a critical opportunity to design a learning experience suitable to their individual learning goals. The possible areas of study may include but are not limited to healthcare, recreation, social service, administration and long term care. Students are directed to explore topics of professional interest to them. The practicum experience requires a minimum of 140 clock hours. The gerontology program coordinator will work with students to select appropriate field sites and develop a customized learning contract, which includes educational outcomes and assessment strategies.

An in-depth, self-directed study for Junior- or Senior- level students under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member on a planned topic that is not covered by an existing Keuka College course.

An advanced study of a specific topic in Gerontology. Intended for juniors and seniors or for students with an appropriate background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.