Gerontology
Interdepartmental Minor and Interinstitutional Program
The gerontology program is designed for students desiring careers in aging-related fields and for students interested in improving their understanding of aging persons in American society. Students are expected to take courses to develop the necessary interdisciplinary breadth which, in combination with other disciplinary training, can prepare them to work with older adults.
Graduates understand the ways in which individual and societal aging influence, and are impacted by, developments in their major field of study. They have an appreciation and understanding of the cross-disciplinary aspects of human aging.
Gerontology courses are offered in the interdepartmental gerontology program in the following participating departments and programs: Architecture; Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology; Economics; Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, Food Science and Human Nutrition; Kinesiology; Human Development and Family Studies; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology.
Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate study in this program provides the student with an opportunity to develop a minor in gerontology. A balanced grouping of courses assists the student in developing both a sensitivity to the issues and the ability to synthesize ideas from the variety of disciplines important to the study of the aging process.
Minor
Undergraduate students may minor in gerontology by taking 16 semester hours of gerontology related courses. Nine of these credits must come from the following courses:
| GERON 373 | Death as a Part of Living | 3 |
| GERON 377 | Aging and the Family | 3 |
| GERON 378 | Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | 3 |
| GERON 463 | Environments for the Aging | 3 |
Students will participate in a prepracticum seminar, GERON 466 Gerontology Prepracticum Seminar, and will complete a supervised field practicum after all gerontology coursework is completed (GERON 467 Gerontology Practicum). A minimum of 3 semester credits must be selected from a list of supportive gerontology related courses. Supportive courses include units or topics related to aging and can be used to complement the student’s major interests. The student’s minor program must be approved by the undergraduate gerontology coordinator.
Graduate Study
A declared graduate minor in gerontology consists of a minimum of 12 credits taken from a list of acceptable courses, and from at least two departments. Nine of the 12 credits must be in courses that are focused specifically on aging. One 590 course (3 credits maximum) can be taken as part of the 12 credits. GERON 510 Survey of Gerontology is required for all minor students. At least one member of the gerontology faculty will be on a student’s advisory committee; this person must be a member of the Graduate Faculty. Contact the coordinator to determine whether courses other than those listed below are available.
Interinstitutional Program
Iowa State University offers a Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with specialization in gerontology. This is an interinstitutional distance education program offered through the Web. The student selects the home institution, which grants the degree. After admission at the home institution, the student takes courses from each of the six institutions: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Missouri.
The master’s degree consists of 36 semester hours, 24 of these hours are from the following courses:
| GERON 530 | Perspectives in Gerontology | 3 |
| GERON 534 | Adult Development | 3 |
| GERON 540 | Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging | 3 |
| GERON 545 | Economics, Public Policy, and Aging | 3 |
| GERON 563 | Environments for the Aging | 3 |
| GERON 577 | Aging in the Family Setting | 3 |
| GERON 584 | Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology | 3 |
| GERON 594 | Professional Seminar in Gerontology | 3 |
The remaining 12 credits will include electives and specific courses needed to meet the requirements of the institution awarding the degree. Neither a thesis nor a creative component is required.
Gerontology Graduate Certificate Program
The 21-credit Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology includes the following courses from the list of core courses:
| GERON 530 | Perspectives in Gerontology | 3 |
| GERON 534 | Adult Development | 3 |
| GERON 540 | Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging | 3 |
| GERON 594 | Professional Seminar in Gerontology | 3 |
The additional six credits required for the certificate can be chosen from the remaining core courses or from other approved elective courses. A maximum of three credits of practicum also can be included in the elective credits.
Admission Procedures: Admission to the Gerontology Certificate Program requires exactly the same procedures as admission to the Graduate College. See Graduate College section of the catalog.
Registration: Students choosing to receive their degree from Iowa State University complete all the admissions, registration, and fee payment processes through ISU.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
GERON 373. Death as a Part of Living.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.Alt. SS., offered 2014.
Prereq: HD FS 102
Consideration of death in the life span of the individual and the family with opportunity for exploration of personal and societal attitudes.
GERON 377. Aging and the Family.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.Alt. SS., offered 2013.
Prereq: HD FS 102
Interchanges of the aged and their families. Emphasis on role changes, social interaction, and independence as influenced by health, finances, life styles, and community development.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
GERON 378. Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits.
(Cross-listed with ECON, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 3 credits in Principles of Economics and 3 credits in Human Development and Family Studies
Economic well-being in the context of demographic change, the present and future of Social Security, family retirement needs analysis, investment strategies and characteristics of retirement plans, helping others to work towards financial security, family economic issues for retired persons. Overview of employee and retirement benefits.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
GERON 414. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.
(Dual-listed with GERON 514). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377 or ARTGR 271) or equivalent.
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal and inclusive design for end users, in particular, the elderly population. Students will work in semester-long projects as interdisciplinary teams to apply knowledge obtained from lectures and mutual presentations. For graduate credit students are required to submit a research report and give an oral presentation.
GERON 415. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.
(Cross-listed with COM S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377)
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal software design for end users, in particular the elderly population. Students will have the chance to learn both about the theories and principles about aging and assistive technology, as well as to engage in the practical semester-long project while working with students from other disciplines.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
GERON 463. Environments for the Aging.
(Dual-listed with GERON 563). (Cross-listed with ARTID, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services, and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
GERON 466. Gerontology Prepracticum Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in core courses for the gerontology minor and approval of the gerontology undergraduate coordinator
Prepracticum training for students planning a gerontology practicum. Exploration of possible agencies for the practicum, in-depth study of a selected agency, and development of goals and objectives for the practicum.
GERON 467. Gerontology Practicum.
Cr. 3-6.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: GERON 466, advance reservation
Supervised field experience related to aging.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
GERON 490. Independent Study.
Cr. arr.
Consult program coordinator for procedure.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
GERON 501. Seminar.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
GERON 510. Survey of Gerontology.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. S.
Provides an overview of important gerontological issues.
GERON 514. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.
(Dual-listed with GERON 414). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377 or ARTGR 271) or equivalent.
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal and inclusive design for end users, in particular, the elderly population. Students will work in semester-long projects as interdisciplinary teams to apply knowledge obtained from lectures and mutual presentations. For graduate credit students are required to submit a research report and give an oral presentation.
GERON 520. Women and Aging.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SS.
Women and Aging is the study of theory, research and application of issues related to women and the aging experience. This course will examine gender differences in areas such as health, mental health, income security, crime, and public policy. Attention will be given to ways in which younger women can prepare to meet the challenges and opportunities awaiting them as they age.
GERON 521. Biological Principles of Aging.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SS.
Basic biological principles of aging. Course modules include an introduction to the aging process, body systems and normal aging, and environment and the biology of aging. In addition, disorders and diseases of aging, prevention and treatment and exercise and aging topics will be covered.
GERON 522. Long-Term Care.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Administration principles involved in the planning, organizing and directing of long-term care agencies. Includes an in-depth exposure to federal and state standards and regulations governing,long-term care.
GERON 523. Mental Health and Aging.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Introduction to the range of issues involved in aging and mental health. From a systems framework the major emotional and psychiatric problems encountered in old age will be examined including mood, anxiety, adjustment and personality disorders, dementia, cognitive problems, substance abuse, and suicide. Barriers to treatment and cohort and cultural issues will be explored.
GERON 524. Cognitive Health.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
SS.
Cognitive skills form the foundation for functioning in everyday life and these skills take on added importance in older adulthood. This course focuses on selected theoretical approaches and current research related to cognitive aging. We will review normative and non-normative cognitive changes, assessment techniques, and prevention/intervention efforts. Throughout the course we will keep the role of environment and life-span implications in the forefront of our discussion.
GERON 530. Perspectives in Gerontology.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
WWW only. Overview of current aging issues including theory and research, critical social and political issues in aging, the interdisciplinary focus of gerontology, career opportunities, and aging in the future.
GERON 534. Adult Development.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Exploration of the biological, psychological and social factors associated with aging. Although the focus is on the later years, information is presented from a life-span developmental framework. Empirical studies are reviewed and their strengths, limitations and implications for normative and optimal functioning are discussed. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).
GERON 540. Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging.
(Cross-listed with DIET). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
WWW only. Basic physiologic changes during aging and their impacts in health and disease. The focus will be on successful aging with special emphasis on physical activity and nutrition. Practical application to community settings is addressed.
GERON 545. Economics, Public Policy, and Aging.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Policy development in the context of the economic status of the older adult population. Retirement planning and the retirement decisions; social security and public transfer programs; intra-family transfers to/from the aged; private pensions; financing medical care; prospects and issues for the future.
GERON 563. Environments for the Aging.
(Dual-listed with GERON 463). (Cross-listed with ARTID, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
GERON 571. Design for All People.
(Cross-listed with DSN S, ARCH). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Graduate or Senior classification
Principles and procedures of universal design in response to the varying ability level of users. Assessment and analysis of existing buildings and sites with respect to standards and details of accessibility for all people, including visually impaired, mentally impaired, and mobility restricted users. Design is neither a prerequisite nor a required part of the course. Enrollment open to students majoring in related disciplines. Credit counts toward fulfillment of Studies in Architecture and Culture requirements.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
GERON 577. Aging in the Family Setting.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 9 credits in social sciences
Theories and research related to personal and family adjustments in later life affecting older persons and their intergenerational relationships. Related issues including demographics also are examined through the use of current literature. ,Spring 2013: on-line via Distance Education; Spring 2014: on campus.
GERON 584. Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).
GERON 590. Special Topics.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
Consult program coordinator for procedure.
GERON 591. Internship.
Cr. 1-9.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Supervised exerperience in an area of gerontology.
GERON 594. Professional Seminar in Gerontology.
(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3.
SS.
An integrative experience for gerontology students designed to be taken near the end of the degree program. By applying knowledge gained in earlier coursework, students will strengthen skills in ethical decision-making behavior, applying these skills in gerontology-related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions will bring their unique perspectives to bear on topics of common interest. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).
