The social aspects of aging include the sociology of aging, social gerontology, and related behavioral and social sciences such as economics, political science, social welfare, family studies, demography, and education. Courses concerning biology, health maintenance, nursing, and occupational therapy. Elective courses should offer gerontologic content and application, but need not focus solely on the study of older adults. Grade Requirements . The Ph.D. minor in Aging Studies offers advanced study of various aspects of social gerontology, life-span development, and biogerontology.
Doctoral students can tailor their program of study to meet their academic needs.
Social gerontology courses are available in a broad range of subjects pertaining to the social and psychological aspects of aging including related behavioral and social sciences such as economics, political science, social welfare, family studies, demography, and education. Available courses also pertain to health care issues such as long-term care and the economics and planning of health care systems, as well as environmental design that supports the needs and capabilities of older people. Life-span development courses address the psychological, sociocultural, historical, and social institutional aspects of human growth and development from conception through old age. Biogerontology courses address the biological basis for aging. Age-related changes in organ, cellular, and genetic activities are covered as well as changes in anatomical structure and physiological function of the organism.