Factors contributing to longevity and health in old age, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle, culture, and environment are related to aspects of maintaining health and promoting wellness. Through a holistic approach, explores aspects of nutrition, exercise and activity, prevention of hazards to health, maintaining self-responsibility, managing stress, and meeting continued developmental, emotional and spiritual needs. Considers cross-disciplinary interventions to promote health and wellness in the elderly. Examination of federal, state, and local policies that affect the economic wellbeing of the elderly. The development of social security programs and pension programs is explored within a historical context.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of current policy problems and proposed solutions.
Focuses on the variety of solutions encountered in different sociocultural contexts for dealing with the problems, challenges, and opportunities of growing old. Both indepth case studies and cross cultural comparisons are examined in an effort to arrive at a culturally informed assessment of factors affecting aging and the aged in the United States. This course examines sociocultural influences on health care practices of older adults. The role of social support and other social resources in the health behavior of older adults is emphasized. Topics include selfcare decisions, formal service utilization, family caregiving, and planned interventions for older adults.