At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain major biological and psychological changes that occur in early, middle, and late adulthood.
- Explain different research methods used to study adults, as well as the limitations of testing methods in late adulthood.
- Identify physical and mental health concerns, as well as clinical disorders, that are of special concern for young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults.
- Explain the nature and trajectory of cognitive changes across adulthood in the areas of intelligence, memory, attention, and social cognition.
- Explain the nature and trajectory of social changes across adulthood in the areas of personality, interpersonal relationships, and workplace/retirement concerns.
1. Defining aging and gerontology
1. Studying gerontology and research methods
2. Theories of aging and development
3. Physical changes and physical health
4. Emotional health and mental health
5. Cognitive changes and development: Intelligence & memory
6. Social theories of aging
7. Personality development
8. Social Supports, personal relationships, marriage and family
9. Informal and family caregiving
10. Elder mistreatment
11. Leisure, spirituality, civic engagement
12. Employment and retirement
13. Policies to promote well-being: Social Security, medicare and medicaid
14. Living Arrangements and housing options
15. Cultural views of dying, funerals and rituals
16. Kubler-Ross stages of dying