This course introduces the student to the field of recreation for the aging in nursing homes and community-based recreation programs. A portion of the course involves students visiting recreation sites. The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior. The goal of this course is to survey the mental health needs of older adults.
Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions.
Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. This course is conducted as a seminar with emphasis on student involvement in exploring legal issues and problems of the elderly. The study of psychological, sociological, and physiological factors that influence the health of the aging, with particular emphasis given to biological changes that have implications for disease and health disorders. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the identification and symptomology and the basic assessment and intervention strategies associated with communication disorders that affect older adults and geriatric patients. This course stresses practice applications with elderly persons who belong to an ethnic or racial minority group.