HPER 4720: Recreation for the Aging
Spring 2016
SRC 3015, TR 11:00am – 12:15pm
Instructor: Dr. James B. Lewis
E-mail: james.lewis@wmich.edu
Office: 4024-20 SRC
Phone (269) 760-2345
There is NO text for this class. Readings
will come from the Web and I will assign
other readings.
Course Description
An overview of aging, especially as it relates to sport, leisure and recreational activity.
Learning Outcomes
Understanding the significance of play, recreation and leisure through the life
span.
Analyze and discuss aging theories.
Understanding of the biological processes of aging
Understanding of the cognitive processes of aging
Understanding of the psychological processes of aging
Understanding of the current issues and trends in the profession related to aging
Understanding of the importance of leisure service delivery systems for older
populations
Ability to development outcome-oriented goals and objectives related to
program/event planning and implementation for individual, group and community
populations
Understanding of various living environments for older adults
Ability to use various leadership techniques to enhance individual, group and
community experiences.
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Course Requirements
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Complete assigned readings prior to class
Complete written assignments and presentations on time
Complete mid-term and final exams
Actively participate in each class
Complete classroom work and quizzes
A great deal of this class will involve class discussion and I expect everyone to be
involved.
Course Work Expectations
* All assignments are to be typed double -spaced, and turned in on time.
* Papers will be graded on context, organization, basic grammar, spelling and writing
skills.
* All references and bibliographic data must be in APA style.
* Students are welcome to turn in a draft form of any assignment early for feedback.
Attendance Policy
I expect you in class for every class meeting. You will be allowed 1 unexcused absence
with no questions. More than 1 will result in lowering of your grade. If you are
consistently late for class, that will result in lowering of your grade. There are valid
reasons for excused absence such as (but not restricted to), sickness, traveling with a
WMU Team, job interviews, etc. Please make sure that I am aware of your absence.
Grading:
Attendance
Participation
Quizzes, Exams
Assignments
Project
20%
25%
10%
30%
15%
Class Policies
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The final exam for this class is Wednesday April 27th, at 8:00am
Turn all pagers, cell phones, and PDAs off prior to entering class. They are a
disruption to the learning process. You may be asked to leave the classroom if this
policy is violated.
Grades of Incomplete will only be given in accordance with the policy set forth in
the WMU Academic Handbook. Do not ask for an incomplete for any other reason.
No extra credit will be assigned after final grades have been posted.
Classroom Ethics/Academic Integrity
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You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and
procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog that pertain to academic integrity. These
policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission,
plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been
involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not
responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if
you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an
assignment or test.
College Students with Disabilities Statement
Any student with a documented disability (physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the professor and
also Disabled Student Resources and Services at (269) 387-2116 at the beginning of
the semester.
College of Education and Human Development Diversity Statement
The College of Education and Human Development maintains a strong and sustained
commitment to the diverse and unique nature of all learners and high expectations for
their ability to learn and to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
WMU Human Rights Statement
It is a fundamental policy of Western Michigan University not to discriminate on the
basis of sex, sexual orientation, color, race, age, religion, national origin, height, weight,
marital status, or handicap in its educational programs, admissions, employment,
promotions, salaries and social activities. Through its example of and teaching, Western
strives to foster in its students, faculty, and staff respect for basic human rights. In its
external relationships, the University is supportive of those activities that seek
constructive change in the development of human rights in this country and abroad.
Notes:
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Class Schedule
Week 1
Introduction
Purpose of the class and discussion-What is a senior?
What are the issues we see with seniors? (Opinion Paper)
Week 2
Rethinking physical activity and sport in later life
What is best emotionally? Physically? Mentally?
Week 3:
The Politics of Old Age
Week 4
Sedentary vs physical activity
Week 5
Successful aging
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Resources:
Analysis on leisure patterns of the pre-elderly adults
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836541/
Importance of Leisure & Recreation for Health
http://www.livestrong.com/article/438983-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-leisurerecreation/
The Critical Importance of Recreation For Senior Citizens
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Critical-Importance-of-Recreation-For-Senior-Citizens&id=3622393
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