Certificate in Gerontology

Introduction to Gerontology

Opportunities are unlimited for the individual who knows the field of gerontology. Demographic changes and changes in health care have influenced the development of a variety of roles in this field. This course will provide a broad overview of the field of gerontology and discuss the characteristics of older adults, the sociology of aging, theories of aging, stereotypes and ageism, physiological and psychological changes of aging, mental health, wellness and aging, and complementary and alternative health care methods that may benefit the older adult.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe an overview of the field of gerontology.

Physiology of Aging

There are more elderly adults in the United States than ever before in history, making this segment one of the fastest-growing portions of the population. The appropriate care of older adults requires healthcare providers to have a solid understanding of the physiologic changes that accompany aging.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to define aging, review the theories of aging, and examine the physical changes in body systems associated with aging.

Mental Health and Aging

The enormous increase in the diverse elderly population has prompted a vital societal challenge: the design and delivery of mental health services to the older adult. Because the elderly population in the United States and globally is projected to grow rapidly, the need for geriatric mental health services will also increase dramatically. Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of mental health in later life. This course explores the issues of mental wellness strategies for the aging adult, cultural diversity as it relates to mental health, and traditional as well as integrative therapies to support mental health in the aging population.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the most commonly occurring mental health problems experienced by older adults and important factors related to mental health promotion and wellness, as well as strategies, therapies, and services that may be directed at improving the mental health of the elderly.

Healthy Aging

This course is designed to introduce the health professional to a broad, conceptually integrated perspective on the topic of healthy aging.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss healthy aging as it relates to cultural similarities and differences, complementary and alternative medicine, nutritional concerns, physical activity, fall prevention, sleep issues, sexuality concerns, social activities, and spirituality.

Pain Assessment and Management in the Older Adult

Pain is a symptom that signals distress in virtually every population and every age. To provide quality care to aging adults, healthcare providers must be particularly skilled in assessing pain, understanding misconceptions of pain management, addressing cultural issues in pain management, and providing effective pain therapies.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe an overview of pain and its effective management, including cultural considerations and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management techniques.

Death and Dying

What is grief? What are normal grief responses? What is involved in the final life transition—death? These are some of the questions that will be discussed in this course. The role of culture, palliative and hospice care, advance directives, and the role of spirituality in death and dying will be described. Interactions, healing strategies, and rituals that use the senses and bring comfort and peace for the dying will also be explored.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the psychological, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of death and dying for older adults.

Sleep and Aging

Sleep is essential to a healthy, productive life. While sleep disorders and changes affect all of us as we age, older adults undergo many sleep-related changes that can affect their physical and psychological well-being.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the normal stages of sleep, common sleep measurement tools, sleep characteristics, common sleep disorders, the changes that affect the quality and quantity of sleep as an individual ages, and methods the healthcare provider can use to assess and assist clients with sleep changes as they age.

The Older Woman

America is growing older and most older Americans are women. Today's older woman is part of a diverse group that varies in income, education level, health, functional abilities, living arrangements, and access to support services. Because women live longer than men, they face unique economic, soci