Psychology of Aging

Catalog description

This upper-level course examines the implications of living longer, applying the biopsychosocial model to the study of the aging process from several cultural and contextual perspectives. A variety of attitudes, myths and stereotypes about aging are discussed. Aging is viewed from the perspective of America's past view of the elderly to an emerging view of the elder individual as an important contributor to society. A strengths approach to the aging process is examined and contrasted against the usual medical model of aging. The course examines aging issues with special emphasis on the supportive role of the Human Services worker in the area of mental health. Current research and research methods are integrated into the coursework through writing assignments. Service-learning may be required.