GNUR 401 Contemporary Issues in Gerontology will provide students with an understanding of how the process of aging affects individuals and how an aging population affects and influences Canadian society. Aging will be examined within historical, contemporary and culture contexts. Topics will include aging and health, aging demographics, the psychology and sociology of aging, finances and economics, retirement, leisure, housing and transportation, and family social supports. Participants will have the opportunity to identify and examine their personal beliefs and values about the aging process throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontology Program
Crosslisted: GERO 200
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of gerontology in Canadian society, including the myths and realities of aging, the effects of ageism on older people’s experience, and the role of public policy in bringing about a good age for older Canadians
- Explain why Canadian Society has aged and the impact this has on Canada’s social systems, such as healthcare and government pensions
- Identify challenges members of certain ethno-cultural groups (recent immigrants to Canada and Indigenous people) face as they age in Canada
- Name the three main areas of gerontological study, list three major theoretical perspectives used in the study of aging, and discuss the potential for research on aging in Canada to improve social policies and programs for older people
- Identify some of the major theories of biological aging and the effect of biological aging on health, behavior, and everyday life
- Compare the difference between normal and abnormal psychological aging and explain the link between these changes and mental performance, including issues related to competency for cognitively impaired older people
- Compare three models of healthcare in use in Canada, and identify challenges to the healthcare system today and how the system is changing to meet the needs of an aging society
- Examine the influence on aging of Canada’s institutions: the healthcare, social security, and housing and transportation systems
- Relate the variety of family and friendship relationships and social support older people have later in life to their experience of aging
- Explain how older people think about and experience death, dying, and bereavement
- Develop positive and creative ways to improve the well-being and quality of life for older Canadians
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.