SOC 206 - Aging and Society

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Looks at the effects of the aging population of society, life/health insurance, retirement planning, and resources for the elderly, discussing the individual and group behaviors with respect to health and illness. Examination of medical professionals and their behaviors, with a look at the human behavioral responses to health, illness and the aging process. The distinction between culture and the process of death, dying and bereavement will be analyzed as it relates to the physical, mental and social changes in people as they age. Emphasis on the aging process itself.
Recommended: READ 088.
Course Outcomes:

Explain the physiological, biological, emotional, cognitive, economic, and interpersonal aspects of aging.
Discuss how the older population and the diversity of aging both affect, and are affected by, the social structure.
Assess the consequences of the socio-cultural condition of the aging process within specific social environments.
Examine the implications of our health and social services, long-term care, public policies and programs for a growing older population.

Course Topics:

The study and field of Gerontology
Historical and cross-cultural issues in aging and the social consequences of physical aging
Managing chronic diseases and promoting well-being in old age
Cognitive, personality, and mental health changes with aging.
Love, intimacy and sexuality in old age
Importance of social supports: Family, friends, neighbors and communities
Death, dying, bereavement and widowhood
Social theories of aging and social policies to address social problems
Health and long-term care policy and programs
Productive aging: Paid and nonpaid roles and activities

Course Attribute(s): Diversity, Social Science