Human Longevity: An Exploration of Career Opportunities.

Catalog description

Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. This course provides a survey exploration of the diverse, growing and dynamic availability of careers in gerontology. Topics and assignments in the class focus on the application of gerontological concepts and theoretical frameworks relevant to working with older adults. Through an inclusive, longevity equity lens, students will learn about potential career opportunities in an array of fields that use person-directed gerontological practice, particularly in careers where we are seeing the greatest growth such as health services, care coordination, supportive services industries, commercial services, business and sales, universal design/age-inclusive communities, and age tech. Students will develop essential skills for success in careers that integrate gerontological knowledge and practice such as communication, empathy, critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through a combination of lectures, readings, panel discussion, case studies and experiential learning activities, students will learn about the demographic shifts, community identified resources and needs sparking the growth of the field.