Your topic must be approved by February 19. Please start thinking about possible topics now. Each student will prepare an in-depth focus paper and Power Point presentation on an aging-related health topic of their choice.

The paper is to consist of a title page, an introduction of the topic and its relevance to gerontology; a review of the most current scientific literature directly related to the topic consisting of no less than ten (10) research publications/articles from at least five (5) different article sources (Internet sources may be included but the 10 articles must come directly from peer reviewed journals); include the cause or suspected causes of the condition, symptoms and implications of symptoms in day to day life, current research on treatments; a discussion of normal aging of the body system in comparison to what occurs in the condition selected; a conclusion revealing the implications of the paper for prevention and treatment in older adults, and a reference page citing the research publications/articles and any other information sources used in the paper.

The National Easter Seal Society as well as a number of other organizations publish brochures that offer suggestions on the correct etiquette for communicating with the disabled. When interacting, a non-disable's language should focus on the individual first and then with the disability second. This is commonly referred to as "person first language." The recommended language includes such words a congenital disability, disability, non-disabled, visually impaired, hearing impaired, and little person or dwarf. Such a language should avoid any words that are negative and not accurate. More information on "person first language" can be found at http://www.modmh.state.mo.us/sikeston/people.htm.

Hence, you are to use "person first language" in your paper and presentation. For example, you should state "an individual with dementia" in your writing NOT "the demented person" or the "Alzheimer's victim". Disability advocates consider this language inappropriate and demeaning. The person is NOT the condition, but an individual first who has a health related disease or disability.

The style of the paper/project should follow that presented in the Publication Manual (4th ed.) of the American Psychological Association published in 1994. The paper/project should be typed (10 or 12 point) double-spaced and attached as a WORD document to an e-mail submitted to the instructor by Monday, April 23, 2001.

The body of the paper should be no less than ten (10) pages and no more than twenty (20) pages in length exclusive of the title and reference pages. For 24-hour each period the paper is late, one (1) letter grade's worth of points will be deducted. Each student will present this information in non-scientific language to a group of older adults at a Science of Aging mini-conference at the end of the semester.

You are expected to complete a Power Point presentation of interesting material on your topic approximately 25-30 minutes in duration. You should also provide a one (1) page handout of your key points to members of the audience. The date and location of the mini-conference will be announced by mid-semester. Please hold the dates of April 20, 26, and 27 as tentative dates.

 

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