Gerontology

¹The work experience placement must be working with elders in some capacity.

The Gerontology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate skill, ease, confidence, rapport, and listening skills when communicating with the elderly at different cognitive levels.
• evaluate and discuss similarities and differences surrounding diverse aging populations as they relate to life expectancy, mortality, mobility, family, work, retirement, mental health, death, lifestyles, sexuality, and use of services.
• discuss the impact of language and other cultural factors that influence drug education, drug use, and treatment options with the elderly.
• evaluate common methods of care for the dying including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
• recognize and identify risk of caregiver stress and strategies to help.
• identify and evaluate elder abuse causes, prevention strategies, and resources.
• identify strategies for meeting the challenges of aging within a sociocultural framework.
• recognize and evaluate demographic, socioeconomic, legal, and physiologic aspects of aging.
• develop practical workplace skills and knowledge needed for employment.

As our population ages, almost every industry is serving the growing population of older adults. Research has demonstrated that, regardless of career path, having training in gerontology is beneficial for those seeking employment. Some possible career opportunities may include but are not limited to: Care/Case Aide, Registry Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Elder Care Provider, Program Aide or Assistant, Geriatric Aide or Assistant, Home Care Specialist, Home Health Aide, Intergenerational Care Provider, and Professional Caregiver.

¹The work experience placement must be working with elders in some capacity.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• evaluate thanatology as an interdisciplinary subject with psychological, spiritual, philosophical social, cultural, and historical aspects of death and dying.
• analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience.
• compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.
• explain normal age related changes and how they are influenced by lifestyle.

Labor market analysis has revealed that jobs/careers working with elders are increasing rapidly and that we, at the California community colleges, need to be notifying students of these trends so they can fill future positions. In addition, we learned that experience in Gerontology is valued in most every career path. For example, gymnasiums, hiring personal trainers, are now seeking to hire individuals who have a desire to work with elders. Some specific careers include: Advocate, Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Home Based Assistant, Program Specialist, Outreach Specialist, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Associate, and Human Service Assistant.

¹The work experience placement must be working with elders in some capacity.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate skill, ease, confidence, rapport, and listening skills when communicating with the elderly at different cognitive levels.
• evaluate and discuss similarities and differences surrounding diverse aging populations as they relate to life expectancy, mortality, mobility, family, work, retirement, mental health, death, lifestyles, sexuality, and use of services.
• discuss the impact of language and other cultural factors that influence drug education, drug use, and treatment options with the elderly.
• evaluate common methods of care for the dying including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
• recognize and identify risk of caregiver stress and strategies to help.
• identify and evaluate elder abuse causes, prevention strategies, and resources.
• identify strategies for meeting the challenges of aging within a sociocultural framework.
• recognize and evaluate demographic, socioeconomic, legal, and physiologic aspects of aging.
• develop practical workplace skills and knowledge needed for employment.

As our population ages, almost every industry is serving the growing population of older adults. Research has demonstrated that, regardless of career path, having training in gerontology is beneficial for those seeking employment. Some possible career opportunities may include but are not limited to: Care/Case Aide, Registry Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Elder Care Provider, Program Aide or Assistant, Geriatric Aide or Assistant, Home Care Specialist, Home Health Aide, Intergenerational Care Provider, and Professional Caregiver.

¹The work experience placement must be working with elders in some capacity.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• describe the field of social gerontology and population trends in the U.S. and worldwide.
• analyze and interpret the diversity of social experiences for older adults using a sociological perspective, especially in relation to race, class, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity.
• apply academic knowledge in Gerontology through the application of a structured, supervised, and on-the-job experience.

Labor market analysis has revealed that jobs/careers working with elders are increasing rapidly and that we, at the California community colleges, need to be notifying students of these trends so they can fill future positions. In addition, we learned that experience in Gerontology is valued in most every career path. For example, gymnasiums, hiring personal trainers, are now seeking to hire individuals who have a desire to work with elders. Some specific careers include the following: Advocate, Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Home Based Assistant, Program Specialist, Outreach Specialist, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Associate, and Human Service Assistant.