STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Discuss life span development in persons over 55 years old from a biological, psychological and social perspective.

 II.     Discuss the complex, interactive process between the older adult and his/her environment (housing, economic, political, community perspectives).

 III.    Explain how to obtain optimal quality of life from a health perspective.  Includes wellness through out life and dealing with the biological changes and challenges of aging.

 IV.     Demonstrate a basic understanding of different cultures and ethnic groups and their unique cultural influences and how a cross-cultural perspective will enhance the process for all.

 V.      Give various methods of obtaining knowledge on aging to better understand and clarify aging related phenomena.

 VI.     List resource availability for older adults including, education, communication, health care, new roles, intergenerational alliances.

 VII.    Discuss dying, death and bereavement

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Myths and realities of aging

 II.     How the body ages

 III.    Maximizing Physical potential of older adults

 IV.     Love, intimacy and sexuality

 V.      Learning, memory and speed of behavior

 VI.     Intellect, Personality, and mental health

 VII.    Social roles and relationships in old age.

 VIII.   Family and intergenerational relationships

 IX.     Work, retirement and economic status

 X       Illness and disability

 XI.     Dying, Death and Bereavement

 XII.    Societal and political aspects of aging

 XIII.   The future of aging