GERO 522: THEORIES, PRINCIPLES, AND ASSESSMENT IN BIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AGING

3 credits

The course explores social and psychological aspects of aging, common physical health problems in the elderly, and behavioral and biological aging theories. Behavioral theories such as stress models, person- environment fit, and social cognitive theory are examined. Special attention is given to mood disorders, dementia, elder abuse, congestive heart failure, degenerative joint disease, and osteoporosis as prototype concerns. Common therapeutic interventions such as fall prevention, pain management, and exploitation prevention and assessment strategies for social, psychological, physical, and functional health aspects of aging are emphasized. Public health implications of depression, delirium, dementia, and elder exploitation are explored. Health advocacy approaches, prevention models, and critical pathway analysis are used to frame health promotion and disease prevention programs.

GERO 580: FIELD STUDY IN GERONTOLOGY: PRACTICUM

3 credits

This practicum course offers opportunities for students to observe and work with a preceptor in clinical or community settings serving the elderly. Seminar meetings and clinical experiences allow students to apply concepts of gerontology in actual elder-care situations.
Pre-requisites: GERO  410/510, GERO  422/522, GERO  591.

GERO 591: GERIATRIC PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

1 credit

This course explores treatment of mental health problems in the elderly using pharmacological interventions. Drug treatment for depression and psychosis are featured, as well as management of behavior disorders related to dementia along with the role of psychoactive drugs in the care of older adults. Appropriate and inappropriate uses of such drugs will be compared. Depression and dementia will be examined as prototypes of psychoactive drug use in the elderly. End-of-life issues and pain relief will be addressed.
Pre-requisites: GERO  410/510, 422/522, or special permission.

HSC 516: URBAN HEALTH: FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN JEOPARDY

3 credits

This course explores the public health resources and challenges of urban families and their children. Utilizing models suitable for vulnerable populations, the impact of social, economic, and educational factors on the well being of urban populations is investigated. Students examine
urban communities as complex physical and social environments. Selected threats to quality of life and the effects of common high-risk behaviors on family health are assessed. This course recognizes the family unit as the basis for interrelations health. Students engage family members and community organizations as partners in positive family health strategies. Experiential and service learning projects emphasize both family and community assessments.