Course Description
Multidisciplinary approach to evaluate public health issues created by population aging. Assess social and behavioral factors that contribute to health conditions in later life and the challenges for individuals, public health infrastructure, and health care systems.
Athena Title
Public Health and Aging
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRNT 8200E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Identify the major public health issues created by population aging 2. Synthesize published research in gerontological public health 3. Assess social and behavioral factors that contribute to health conditions in later life 4. Create public health strategies to address challenges of population aging for individuals, public health infrastructure, and health care systems
Topical Outline
The topical outline is adapted from the book, “Aging and Public Health,” by Prohaska, Anderson, and Binstock, 2013. Fundamentals 1. Explain contemporary perspectives on public health 2. Clarify the roles of public health in an aging society 3. Summarize financing and organizing health and long-term care services for older populations 4. Assess the health and quality of life of older populations: concepts, resources, and systems Social and behavioral factors 5. Distinguish unique aspects of social determinants of health inequities and health care in old age 6. Assess role of disability and functional status to health and wellbeing in an aging society 7. Summarize behavioral risk factors and appraise impact of evidence-based interventions Societal applications 8. Examine translation challenges regarding dissemination and implementation of public health interventions 9. Critique family caregiving strategies for older adults 10. Assess role of social engagement for a healthy aging society 11. Compare public health policy successes that support healthy aging Public health infrastructure for an aging society 12. Appraise role of technology to support older adults 13. Propose strategies to educate the public health workforce to prepare for an aging society 14. Evaluate strategies for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery 15. Examine and propose planned and built environments in public health 16. Describe contribution of genomics in aging processes 17. Synthesize global perspectives on public health and aging 18. Critique resource allocation strategies in an aging US society