COURSE INFORMATION FORM

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1 DATE SUBMITTED CATALOG NO. PSYC 270 DATE DICC APPROVED DATE LAST REVIEWED COURSE INFORMATION FORM DISCIPLINE Psychology COURSE TITLE Social Psychology of Aging CR.HR 3 LECT HR. 3 LAB HR. CLIN/INTERN HR. CLOCK HR. CATALOG DESCRIPTION Social and psychological problems of older persons in contemporary society. Personality change. Environmental conditions and the aging process in late life. PREREQUISITES PSYC 140 EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES IN THE COURSE Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Summarize the key historical and demographic characteristics of the older adult population. 2. Differentiate and explain the methods used to study aging issues. 3. Describe the basic dynamics of intergenerational relations and their implications for healthy aging. 4. Identify, describe, and analyze the major social, biological, cognitive and cultural challenges facing older adults. 5. Explain the various forms of lifestyles common to older adults and the advantages and disadvantages of each form. 6. Describe the main theories of aging. 7. Summarize the major changes in neurological function, physical function and psychological function that accompany aging. 8. Evaluate the major physical health problems facing older adults and cite approaches for addressing these problems. 9. Describe the common cognitive and neurological problems facing older adults as well as the systems and remedies available to address them. 10. Analyze the special needs of adults presented by fixed incomes, changing lifestyles, widowhood, declining faculties, the approach of death and other selected concerns. 11. Describe the variety of problems and promising solutions, related to approaching the end of life. 12. Cite and summarize major social and political problems faced by aging adults (e.g., abuse, neglect, exploitation, health care policy, social security policy) and evaluate the approaches available to address such problems 13. Summarize the findings on retirement trends, effects of retirement on older adults and issues related to post-retirement lifestyles.* 14. Evaluate the promise of technology, medicine, and social policies for improving the future for older adults.* *optional

2 CLASS-LEVEL ASSESSMENT MEASURES Student accomplishment of expected student outcomes will be assessed using the following measures. (Identify which measures are used to assess which outcomes.) PROGRAM-LEVEL OUTCOMES ADDRESSED GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES Specify which general education outcomes, if any, are substantially addressed by the course by completing the Course/Program Assessment Matrix to show the relationships between course and program outcomes and assessment measures. OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM OUTCOMES Specify which occupational program outcomes, if any, are substantially addressed by the course by completing the Course/Program Assessment Matrix to show the relationships between course and program outcomes to assessment measures.

3 DISCIPLINE Psychology COURSE TITLE Social Psychology of Aging CATALOG NO. PSYC 270 COURSE OUTLINE FORM Individual instructors may order this outline as fits the needs of their individual courses. In addition, they may place more emphasis on some areas than others. What is assured is that this particular list is covered in the course. Other topics may be added to a course as the instructor sees fit, and as time and interest allows. An *asterisk can be used to mark an item as optional. I. The changing face of aging in America A. The aging population B. Research methods and aging C. Historical trends D. Facts and myths of aging II. The social world of older people A. Economics, work, and retirement B. Effects of retirement C. Living and lifestyles options D. Loss of control and power E. Characteristics of retirement communities F. Challenges to the elderly couple G. Living alone III. Older people and their families A. Changes in family structures B. Social role shifts C. Needs of older adults D. The dynamics of intergenerational relations E. Older couples together with families F. Cultural and ethnic factors in aging values and practices IV. The aging body and mind A. Why we age B. Changes in neurological function C. Normal vs. dysfunctional aging D. Physical loss and adaptations E. Psychological development and adaptation F. Shifts in personality G. Sexuality

4 V. Health and illness in later life A. Life extension trends and factors B. Health implications of normal aging C. The aging cardiovascular system D. The aging nervous system and sensory processes E. Vision F. Hearing G. Motor function VI. Mental health in later life A. Dementia and Alzheimer B. Disorders common in aging populations C. Cognitive change and adaptation D. Intelligence issues E. Memory decline and adjustments F. Stress factors in aging G. Older adults and the mental health system H. Widowhood I. Living alone VII. The end of life A. Spirituality B. Dealing with death C. Grieving and social support D. Hospice care E. Issues in the care of dying adults VIII. Abuse and neglect A. Social problems affecting older adults B. Abuse C. Neglect D. Group housing standards E. Economic factors IX. Economics, work, and retirement A. Preparation B. Adjustment C. Economic needs of older adults D. Post-retirement employment X. Older people and the political world A. Public safety issues

5 XI. B. Social security C. Rights D. Economic exploitation E. Political power and activism Aging and the future A. Direction of social changes B. Technology and aging C. Medical science and aging D. Ethical considerations E. Developments in gerontology and psychology