Columbia University School of Social Work
 
T6930 Aging: Issues, Policies, Research and Programs

Overview and Rationale

This course will focus on the unique social aspects of old age and aging, and on the social policies and programs which most directly affect older persons and their families. This course is designed to particularly integrate conceptual and empirical knowledge in the areas of demography, epidemiology, human development, sociology of the family, age stratification, social service provision, and social policy. As a foundation course in the aging field of practice, the course has several overarching themes. One theme focuses on diversity of the aging experience as structured by gender, race, ethnicity, social class, age cohort, and many other dimensions. A second theme concerns the meanings of old age and how these meanings are socially constructed based on our mutually agreed upon expectations of people in the later stages of life. A third theme revolves around issues of social, cultural, and historical changes that have altered the nature of personal, family, and cohort relationships with the aged, and created challenges for social service delivery system and public policy.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, students will learn to . . .

  1. Identify the program and policy implications of aging demography and diversity.
  2. Articulate the importance of productive engagement in later life.
  3. Identify and analyze aging-related policy issues.
  4. Describe the social, psychological, and biological theories of aging.
  5. Describe the problems and issues of aging stereotypes and "ageism."
  6. Describe the diversity of aging in terms of gender, class, race, ethnicity, culture, national origins, sexual orientation, and other differences.
  7. Apply social work values in regard to practice with older clients and their families.
  8. Apply relevant skills in assessing social and cultural differences in older people.
  9. Analyze the problem and policy issues of aging in the areas of health, mental health, family care, social care, health care, long-term care, and service utilization.
  10. Critically analyze the impact of social programs which bear special importance for older women and older persons of color.

Council on Social Work Education Core Competencies

This course contributes toward mastery of the following core areas of social work competency identified by the Council on Social Work Education.

Social workers . . .

  • Identify as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
  • Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  • Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
  • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
  • Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being, and to deliver effective social work services.
  • Respond to contexts that shape practice.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Core Content Themes

  • Population aging longevity in the United States and around the world: Implications for policy and program development
  • Understanding aging from individual, historical, political, and sociocultural context: Implication for service provision
  • Myths and realities of aging: The negative impact of ageism on elders, aging programs, and service quality
  • Public policies for older people: Past, present, and future
  • Health and long-term care: Reforms and innovative programs
  • Normal aging changes and disease process: Prevention vs. intervention programs
  • Psychological disorders among older persons: Delirium, dementia, and support programs
  • Depression and suicide: Implications for mental health policy and programs
  • Informal and formal supports of older people: Costs and benefits of elder care
  • Sexuality, spirituality, and quality of life outcomes: Implications for assessment and program development
  • Death, dying, end-of-life care, and ethical Issues
  • Productive aging and meaningful activities: Implications for work and volunteer programs