More people are living longer and remaining healthier and active into old age than ever before in our history. In fact, people are living longer all over the world. Everyone, young and old, will experience the benefits, challenges and concerns that come with the aging of whole populations. In the United States, young people are already helping older members of their own families and taking advantage of the many new career opportunities available to prepare for and meet the growing needs of American elders. Gerontology 200 will introduce students to the ways in which American society is changing around them and will continue to change in response to this increasing number of elders.
Many elders are women and members of ethnic minority groups.
The percentage of ethnic minority elders among all elders in the U.S. is increasing very rapidly and will continue to do so as the U.S. population becomes increasingly multi-ethnic. Old age is also very much a world of women, as women continue to outlive men by seven years on the average in industrialized societies. Explain what gerontology means. Distinguish the realities of aging from social stereotypes of older adults and the processes of aging. Identify and explore major issues linked to population aging, including the provision and use of services for elders.