GER 2301 - General Gerontology

Credits: 3 hrs

This course will explore how people age as individuals, as members of families and communities, and as part of the larger society. Students will use a life course perspective to delve into issues of individual aging such as meaning and intellectual functioning in later life, theories of aging, and why bodies age. Aging in society will include health care issues such as Medicare and rationing of care, economic issues related to Social Security and retirement, and diversity of aging experiences. Aging in families will be examined through family roles of older adults and responsibility of families to care for older family members. The current issue of aging baby boomers will also be investigated.
Note(s): Students may not receive credit for both GER 2301 and GER 2401.
Student Learning Outcome: Critical Thinking
Area of Knowledge: Social/Behavioral Science
Curricular Theme: Healthful Living