Gerontology Learning Goals

1. Describe the physical and mental health changes that accompany aging, both senescent and pathological in origin.

2. Understand the general patterns of aging in the U.S., including intracultural variations; the major social issues affecting the aged; and how empirical research provides this information.

3. Discuss the laws, programs and policies that specifically impinge on the aged population in the U.S. and cross-cultural variations in the structure of services and benefits to older adults.

4. Be able to apply gerontological knowledge to an applied setting in which services or advocacy to the aged population is provided.