Description of Courses

Each course within Gerontology Online is eight weeks. 

Concepts of Aging (32 contact hours total)

An overview of the theories and processes of aging from multiple perspectives is presented. Implications for health and social services, and public policy related to demographic trends in the aging population, are emphasized.

Cultural Dimensions of Aging (24 contact hours total)

Based on the Core Curriculum in Ethnogeriatrics, this course focuses on increasing awareness and competence related to health care service issues faced by the growing numbers of minority and disadvantaged older adults.  An emphasis on health beliefs, values, disease patterns, and health service utilization forms the basis for discussing culturally competent care delivery to this group.

Environmental Context of Aging (24 contact hours total)

Examine the impact of environmental factors (social, living arrangements, long-term care environment) on older adults. Learn how environmental factors may be modified to facilitate a model of capacity-building and capacity-maintenance for diverse groups of older adults.

Mental Health and Aging (24 contact hours total)

Normal and abnormal changes in cognitive and memory processes, psychiatric disorders, effects of loss, and substance misuse/abuse by older adults are discussed.  Therapeutic modalities are described in relation to the various mental health problems older adults experience.

Interdisciplinary Seminar on Aging (16 contact hours)

Explore geriatric issues that cross multiple disciplines, including pain management, geropharmacology, ethical issues, and health care service delivery. 

Interventions with Older Adults (32 contact hours)

Incorporating current gerontological standards of care from various sources, this course focuses on the most recent advances in the field of aging. It helps participants learn how to assess and manage the care of diverse groups of older adults in various settings.  Evidence-based content covers common geriatric health problems and management, preventive services, and palliative care.  Strategies and resources for applying this content in long-term care settings are highlighted in the optional clinical component of the course.