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 Overview

This course examines the biological and physiological theories on aging, the normal and abnormal physiological changes in aging, and the health aspects of aging. Models of health behavior and strategies for health promotion with older adults are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the effects of stress, medications, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors on the health of older adults.

Prerequisites
 GEY 5005
General knowledge of technology used in distance learning courses (email, bulletin board, email attachments, etc.)
Special Conditions: Admission to the College of Health Professions MS in Health Science program and completion of prerequisite courses or consent of the Instructor.

Course Objectives
Students will be able to:

Discuss the demographics of the aging population and its impact on health and wellness of older adults.
Describe the normal and abnormal physical, sensory, and cognitive changes in aging.
Identify, describe, and explain the role of lifestyle factors and behaviors on the process of aging.
Describe the impact of stress, medications, and nutrition on older adults.
Discuss current trends in health care services and treatment options for older adults.
Identify the issues relevant to acute and chronic illness in later life, and how those issues relate to therapeutic interventions.
Examine issues that relate to quality of life in later life and at the end of life.

Required Textbooks
Arking, R. (1999).  Biology of Aging (2nd Ed).
Hayflick, L. (1994 ) How and Why We Age, Ballentine Books, NY.

Teaching/Learning Strategies
This course is presented in an interactive web-based format. Teaching activity uses a variety of formats; textbook, lecture notes from the instructor posted on the web, and the use of guided assignments for class discussion on the web board. A Focus Paper is designed to guide the student with the application of learned course materials into real life problem-solving.  Students are responsible for completing all assignments and actively participating in the discussion forums provided.

Course Faculty: Linda L. Buettner, Ph.D, CTRS

Contact Information:
E-mail: lbuettne@fgcu.edu
Voice:  941-590-7497

Mailing Address:
Dr. Linda Buettner
FGCU
College of Health Professions
10501 FGCU Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL
33965-6565
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