This course analyzes aggregate care models for the elderly. It explores social policy on aging from a governmental and interagency perspective. Population changes and aging in society are highlighted. Public health and social agency strategies are explored. Ethical issues relating to aging and social policy are discussed.

The course explores social and psychological aspects of aging, common physical health problems in the elderly, and behavioral and biological aging theories. Behavioral theories such as stress models, person-environment fit, and social cognitive theory are examined. Special attention is given to mood disorders, dementia, elder abuse, congestive heart failure, degenerative joint disease, and osteoporosis as prototype concerns. Common therapeutic interventions such as fall prevention, pain management, and exploitation prevention and assessment strategies for social, psychological, physical, and functional health aspects of aging are emphasized. Public health implications of depression, delirium, dementia, and elder exploitation are explored. Health advocacy approaches, prevention models, and critical pathway analysis are used to frame health promotion and disease prevention programs.

This practicum course offers opportunities for students to observe and work with a preceptor in clinical or community settings serving the elderly. Seminar meetings and clinical experiences allow students to apply concepts of gerontology in actual elder-care situations.
Pre-requisites: GERO 410/510, GERO 422/522, GERO 591.

This course explores treatment of mental health problems in the elderly using pharmacological interventions. Drug treatment for depression and psychosis are featured, as well as management of behavior disorders related to dementia along with the role of psychoactive drugs in the care of older adults. Appropriate and inappropriate uses of such drugs will be compared. Depression and dementia will be examined as prototypes of psychoactive drug use in the elderly. End-of-life issues and pain relief will be addressed.
Pre-requisites: GERO 410/510, 422/522, or special permission.