University of Michigan-Flint

Introduction to gerontology as a multidisciplinary field and profession. Characteristics of an aging population, myths and realities of aging. Examination of contemporary issues including elder abuse, elderly caregiver needs, bereavement and loss, and resilience in aging, and career opportunities in gerontology.

Examination of political institutions and policy making processes that impact legislation affecting the aged, including legislators, interest groups, political parties, voters. Analysis of entitlement programs for the aged, including federal and state level regulation and implementation of Medicare, Medicaid, social security. Political attitudes of baby boomers and the aged toward the health care system.

Death, dying and bereavement in the United States. Analysis of experiences of individuals at different stages of development in the human life cycle; social and cultural variables with American society affecting death-related encounters, attitudes and practices. Assessment of task-based approaches to coping and ritualistic practice.

Forces and conditions that contribute to the recognition of aging as a problem in U.S. society, and resultant social welfare policies. Specific social work practice issues in casework, group work, and community organization in relationship to specific social provisions for elderly.

Examination of social, emotional and cognitive changes that are part of human aging.  Topics include interpersonal relationships, health issues, and successful adaptation to the environment.

Relationships between health and aging. Definition of aging, historical and cross-cultural views of normal aging, profile of the aged, acute and chronic illness and its implications, health care services for the aged, importance of nutrition and exercise.

In-depth exploration of issues of contemporary relevance to gerontology. Topics vary; may include dying and bereavement, promoting healthy aging, ethnogerontology, spirituality and aging, ethical issues and aging, gender issues in later life, chronic illness and aging, issues with Alzheimer’s disease.

Overview of chronic diseases common in later years. Complex nature of chronic illness and disability, including social and psychological consequences for individual and family, and need for health and social services. Treatment and management of chronic illness. Emphasis on individuals’ and family members’ perspectives of chronic illness experience.

Ethical and philosophical issues emerging from an aging society, such as provision of care (what kind, how much, by whom), issues around mental and physical capacity (dementia, medical treatment decisions), autonomy and competence, just allocation of resources. Critical and systematic analysis from multiple perspectives. Explicit and implicit effects of ageism and their implications.

Types and functions of long-term care health organizations (e.g., nursing homes, hospitals, visiting nurses, clinics) and related providers. Students participate in a critical analysis of long-term care administration relating to reimbursement, resource use, monitoring, quality mechanisms, and ethical/legal issues.

Directed research on a topic relevant to Aging/Gerontology, under instructor's supervision, by special arrangement only. 

Biological changes associated with aging at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and individual level.