Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance

Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Missouri North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech University

Gerontology Courses

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Kansas State University and North Dakota State University

An overview of current aging issues including the current focus of gerontology theory and research, critical social and political issues in aging, the interdisciplinary focus of gerontology, current career opportunities, and aging in the future.

This course explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that are associated aging. Although the focus is on the later years, information is presented from a life-span developmental framework. Empirical studies are reviewed and their strengths, limitations and implications for normative and optimal functioning are discussed.

Oklahoma State University

This course identifies the basic physiologic changes during aging and their impacts in health and disease. The focus will be on successful aging with special emphasis on physical activity and nutrition. Practical application to community settings is addressed.

Texas Tech University

Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings.

Iowa State University

An integrative experience in which students will strengthen skills in ethical decision-making and behavior and apply those skills in related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, and family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions will apply unique perspectives to topics of common interest.

Policy development in the context of the economic status of the elderly populations. Retirement planning and the retirement decision; Social Security and public transfer programs for the elderly; intrafamily transfers to/from the elderly; private pensions; financing medical care for the elderly; prospects and issues for the future.

Iowa State University

Examination of attributes of physical environments that support special needs of older people and application of this knowledge to the design and management of housing, institutional settings, neighborhoods and communities.

Theories and research related to peApril 25, 2008ater life affecting older persons and their intergenerational relationships. Related issues including demographics also are examined through the use of current literature.

Overview of the normal aging process of human body systems, environmental factors influencing normal aging, diseases and disorders associated with aging, and the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with aging. A special topics unit will include but is not limited to interviews and observations dealing with the aging process in humans.

Study of theory, research, and application of issues related to women and the aging experience.

The effect upon movement of physical changes occurring in healthy aging as well as chronic conditions associated with aging. Methods of assessing fitness and teaching movement activities in relation to gerontological factors.

Administration principles involved in the planning, organizing and directing of long-term care agencies. Includes an in-depth exposure to federal and state standards and regulations governing long-term care.

This course introduces the student to the range of issues involved in aging and mental health. From a systems framework the major emotional and psychiatric problems encountered in old age will be examined including mood, anxiety, adjustment and personality disorders, dementia, cognitive problems, substance abuse, and suicide. Barriers to treatment and cohort and cultural issues will be explored.

Advances in medical technology have brought with them questions healthcare givers must now face on a daily basis. Do people have a “right” to die? Should healthcare providers perform “live-saving” procedures on all patients? Should the ability to pay influence what types of treatments are offered to patients? This course will help students learn to think critically about ethical issues affecting healthcare workers in a variety of healthcare settings (e.g. hospitals, nursing homes, clinical practice, pharmacies). Emphasis will be on issues relating to aging populations, although issues relevanApril 25, 2008hort essays and case studies will encourage students to understand the multi-faceted nature of these ethical issues and need for open discussion between health care providers, patients and family members. Prerequisite: one course in science.

This course will explore how various cultures have historically cared for their aging members. World demographics as well as cultural comparisons will provide the student a context in which to understand the rapidly changing needs of an aging world. Political, social, and economic factors as they related to eldercare will be explored both in historical and present contexts. U.S. policies affecting care and treatment of older adults will be examined and lessons learned from other countries will be applied as we consider the outlook for aging members of the U.S. in light of the aging population trend.