SOCY 2121 - Sociology of Aging

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

1. Describe the demographic profile of older Americans.
2. Identify the number and proportion of older adults.
3. Explain health, education and economic status of the elderly population.
4. Discuss definitions of aging.
5. Identify stereotypes associated with aging.

Outcome 2:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to discuss the relevant theories of aging.

Objectives:

1. Identify theoretical perspectives of aging.
2. Explain critical role of aging research and development of policies.
3. Identify basic terms and concepts in aging.

Outcome 3:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge about current data concerning processes associated with historical, cultural, biological, psychological, and sociological contexts of aging.

Objectives:

1. Calculate life expectancy based on health factors.
2. Discuss social factors or aging.
3. Discuss health care coverage.
4. Identify changes in daily living among age cohorts.
5. Identify activities of daily living.
6. Discuss retirement and financial planning.

Outcome 4:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to identify behaviors considered to be maladaptive in old age and the role of situational and environmental factors in producing such behavior.

Objectives:

1. List positive and negative aspects of social relationships.
2. Discuss social ties in older adulthood.
3. Explain rate of mental disorders among older adults.
4. Identify therapeutic interventions with older adults.
   1. Behavior interventions.
   2. Environmental design.
   3. Social networking.
   4. Family therapy.

Outcome 5:
Upon completion of the course students will be able to identify role changes and challenges associated with growing old.

Objectives:

1. Identify median age of retirement.
2. Discuss “age‐differentiated” social structure of present day American society.
3. Explain job performance among older adults.
4. Discuss effects of retirement.
5. Explain age‐segregated living arrangements.
6. Explain broad care homes, assisted living facilities, and care giving options.
7. Explain the bereavement process.
8. Compare widows and widowers.
9. Discuss and define hospice and euthanasia.
10. Discuss Medicare and social security.
11. Explain advance directives

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. The Growth of Social Gerontology
2. Historical and Cross‐Cultural Issues in Aging
3. The Social Consequences of Physical Aging
4. Managing Chronic Diseases and Promoting Well‐Being in Old Age
5. Cognitive Changes with Aging
6. Personality and Mental Health in Old Age
7. Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality in Old Age
8. Social Theories of Aging
9. The Importance of Social Supports: Family, Friends, and Neighbors
10. Opportunities and Stresses of Informal Caregiving
11. Living Arrangements and Social Interactions
12. Productive Aging: Paid and Nonpaid Roles and Activities
13. Death, Dying, Bereavement, and Widowhood
14. The Resiliency of Elders of Older Adults
15. Social Policies to Address Social Problems in Aging
16. Health and Long‐Term Care Policy and Programs