Why pursue a Minor in Aging Studies? In the very near future, the older adult population in the U.S. is expected to double. According to the Population Reference Bureau, nearly 100 million Americans will be 65 or older by 2060, creating a demand for professionals who are specialized in aging issues. With a focus on critical assessment and emphasis on ethical views of social and professional responsibilities, UIndy’s Minor for Aging Studies promotes the development of professionalism to advocate for age-friendly policies and practices. UIndy provides students with the opportunity to learn from and work with experts experienced in the aging adult population.
The courses are all offered 100% online, making it convenient for busy students to complete coursework around their other courses and work schedules. Students enrolled in these undergraduate courses can expect to interact with older adults in their own communities, engage in a curriculum that uses interactive media, and participate in discussions with classmates and experts from various backgrounds.
Six courses (18 credit hours):
GERO 301* is an introductory, undergraduate-level gerontology course. It will provide the student with an introduction and overview of the field of gerontology including terminology, theoretical perspectives, research and demography, public policy, ageism, history of the study of aging, cross-cultural study of aging, end-of‐life issues, career exploration and professional ethics.
Course investigations will include readings from texts and articles, accessing websites, interviews, and case studies. Course assignments will include projects that will require students to interact with aging adults and projects that will require students to explore personal value systems and perceptions of aging.
*GERO 301 fulfills the following category in the General Education Core curriculum: Global Awareness
GERO 305 centers on the effects of aging on body systems and the influence of such changes on health and function. It will include opportunities for designing strategies that facilitate healthy aging. Learning experiences will be connected to real-world situations and are designed to facilitate reflection, critical thinking, and application of principles learned.
GERO 310 examines aging from both macro and micro perspectives to explore how the aging individual is affected by social and cultural forces, and, in turn, how the aging population affects the greater society. Students will draw on sociological perspectives to increase understanding of applied and theoretical issues in aging, examine the social aspects of aging through roles and relationships, and explore aging as it is related to social institutions and the concept of community. Finally, we will consider patterns of diversity in the aging population as evidenced by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender.
GERO 320 examines psychological aging in terms of change processes. Psychological theories of aging will be covered as well as the content areas of cognition, personality, and mental health. Students will examine normal and pathological psychological development in these domains, and some of the factors that may influence variations in aging trajectories (i.e., patterns of change over time), including interventions. In addition, several issues in the psychology of aging will be addressed, such as suicide and recognizing the differences between dementia, delirium, and depression.
The GERO 341 course examines the concept of aging in place, challenges to aging in the "right place", strategies to support older adults living in their communities, policy trends, and emerging issues.
GERO 360 will focus on the economic issues created by demographic trends. We will examine the issues associated with an aging population, and their potential impact on the individual, the family, the private sector, and the public sector.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Course offerings are subject to change based on enrollment and other factors. Refer to UIndy’s online course search to verify that a course is offered in a specific semester:
Courses start in August, January and May.
The GERO courses provide a learning experience that helps students better understand the older population so we can provide the most beneficial care to our patients, families and friends.