Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Topics will include age-related changes in memory and other cognitive abilities, self-perceptions, mental health (including Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias), personality changes, coping with stress as well as changes that arise as people adapt to various life transitions (widowhood, retirement, loss, etc.). Myths and stereotypes associated with aging will be examined as they relate to specific effects on individuals.

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

1. Use knowledge of biological, cognitive, and psychosocial processes in order to assist self and others to understand various aging trajectories.
2. Assess the psychosocial needs of specific adult populations and plan how those needs could be met within specific living situations and for aging adults with varying physical and cognitive functioning levels.
3. Critically evaluate research on biological, cognitive, and psychosocial issues as they arise in a rapidly changing (and aging) world.
4. Apply concepts from developmental psychology to optimize successful aging in self and others.

Course activities will include but not be limited to class discussions, group projects, research, media presentations (audio & video), class activities (role playing, simulations, etc.) journaling, reading, internet activities, investigating and critiquing programs for adult living.

Students will demonstrate achievement of course outcomes by any of the following:
1. Written assignments designed to promote integration of class material with personal reflection and experience.
2. Written or oral assignments designed to stimulate critical thinking.
3. Multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions that require integration, application, and critical examination of material covered in class.
4. Active participation in class discussion.
5. In-class participation in individual and group exercises, activities, or class presentations.
6. Design and completion of research projects.
7. Service learning activities.
8. Participation in online discussions and/or completion of assignments through electronic media.

1. Overview of theories and models of aging
2. Methodology used in aging research.
3. Ageism and its effects.
4. Biological theories of aging.
5. Health and lifestyle factors in aging.
6. Cognitive functions: attention, information processing, memory, problem solving, creativity, wisdom, and intelligence.
7. Psychosocial issues of work, retirement, leisure, friendships, and intimacy as relevant to individuals.
8. Social contexts of aging and their effects on individuals and communities.
9. Personality traits, patterns of coping, stress, mental health.
10. Planning for one’s own aging future: long-term care, end of life issues.
11. Cultural, contextual, and personal aspects of death and dying.
Competencies and Skills: Specifically students will demonstrate the following in construction of a personal plan for aging--
1. Awareness of normal aging processes.
2. Understanding atypical age-related issues.
3. Understanding of continuity v. discontinuity theories, multi-directionality, multidimensional aspects and the importance of context in aging research.
4. Awareness of ageist attitudes and beliefs and ways to counteract negative stereotypes.
5. The ability to apply knowledge of aging research and theory to current social issues as they apply to the individual, such as the economics of aging and advances in medicine and health care.
6. Knowledge of existing programs and social structures addressing the needs of aging adults.
7. Ability to conduct aging research and find reliable resources related to aging.
8. Ability to apply course concepts in working with the aging population.
9. Ability to apply course concepts in a plan for one’s own future.
10. Critical thinking abilities to evaluate each of the above