Public Health and Aging
10:832:341 Spring 2013
Instructor:
Anita Franzione, DrPH, MPA
Phone:
609-240-7267
Email:
anita.franzione@rutgers.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description:
This is a three credit course that will provide a broad overview of aging in the United States and what
to expect in the coming decades. The goal of the course is to provide a basic understanding of the
physical, mental, and social aspects of aging, the societal, economic, and policy implications of the
aging population and the impact of the aging population on the public health and health care services.
The class will have a seminar format which will include guest speakers and lively discussion.
The objectives of the course are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Students will understand the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging;
Students will comprehend the social and economic impact of aging;
Students will be able to identify and distinguish the variety of service for this population;
Students will understand the public health issues surrounding health care delivery for this
population;
5. Students will become familiar with the various career paths available in gerontology.
6. Students will have an informed grasp of the conceptual issues, empirical findings, and current
controversies, as well as explore some myths and misconceptions.
Grades:
It is assume that you are taking this course because you care about the topic and you will take it
seriously and actively participate in the class. It makes a better experience for all. If you want to earn
an “A” you must regularly read the announcements, review the week’s online powerpoint
presentation and the assigned readings, and complete the quiz each week, and make comments on
the presentation and readings in the discussion section. Remember, a grade of “A” constitutes
consistent excellence, interest, and participation. Despite this class being online, active participation
during the week is expected!
Grades will be determined on the basis of:




Participation in class discussion/attendance by reviewing the readings, class slide presentations
and completing the quizzes (25%);
Mid-term exam (30%);
Final Paper (35%)
Current Event Presentation (10%)
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Current Event Presentation – Each student will be required to present a current event article into Sakai
discussion for the week assigned. Topics should focus on issues currently effecting older adults such as
the aging process, older adult health public policy issues, etc.. Article sources may include but are not
limited to: newspapers, peer-reviewed journals, and/or professional organizations. Presentations
should summarize the article and identify key stakeholders in the discussion. Students should conduct
a review of their current event article and state why it is important to this class. The assigned class
for the current events presentation will be distributed/made available in Sakai in week 2 of classes.
Class Participation/Attendance – All students are expected to review the readings and class slides and
answer the quizzes throughout the semester. Also comments about the readings and slides will be
expected in the discussion areas. For a good grade in class participation and attendance, the quizzes
must be completed by the end of the week and at least one (1) post made in the discussion area about
the assigned readings and materials.
Midterm Exam – The midterm exam will cover material from assigned readings, lectures, and class
discussions. Exam format will include short answers questions and essay questions. Unless the absence
is authenticated by the University, no make-up exams will be provided. The midterm exam will be on
Sakai on 3/10/2013; you will have 24 hours to complete it. Details will follow as we get closer.
Final Paper – The purpose of the final paper is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the
skills and techniques they have learned in class to a real-life scenario. Posted in Sakai assignments after
the midterm, two to three (2 to 3) case-study questions will be distributed for the student to choose to
answer one (1). Students will be asked to identify the best method for addressing their chosen case.
Students should fully address the following areas in their paper:
 Provide an overview of the question
 Identify potential courses of action and discuss the pros/cons of each.
 Make a recommendation/conclusion
As part of the assignment, students should justify their recommendations using class discussions,
principles from class, the assigned readings, and/or other academic resources. A minimum of three
sources are required for the paper. All sources must be properly cited using either MLA or APA format.
Papers should be 5-7 pages long, double spaced. Please remember to proofread your papers for any
grammar or spelling mistakes. Papers are due into Sakai in the Assignments section by May 9, 2013.
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Grading Rubric
Grade
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
Definition
Outstanding
Intermediate
Good
Intermediate
Satisfactory
Poor
Failing
Numerical Equivalent
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.0
Readings and Course Materials
Required Text Books:
Albert, Steven, Freedman, Vicki, Public Health and Aging,
Maximizing Function and Well-Being, 2nd edition Springer
Publishing Company, 2010
Required Readings:
Other required readings are available within this syllabus or
on the Sakai website for this course for downloading.
Reading Pledge:
I vow to prepare for each class by doing the readings carefully and thoughtfully unless a serious
emergency prevents me from doing so, because I want the discussion in this class to be as enriching as
possible for myself and my fellow students.
Class Participation:
Keep in mind that you can often enhance class discussions by raising interesting questions in the
discussion area as much as you can by offering answers. This class is about learning, building
knowledge, and enjoying a space that allows you to take intellectual risks and share your ideas. The
class should be challenging and welcoming for all students. It you do not feel this is the case, please
con tact me.
Academic Integrity:
Any instance of plagiarism will be dealt with harshly.
See: http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/
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COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK DATE
1
1/22/13 1/27/13
CONTENT
Introduction
 “Getting to know you”
 Course description,
goals, expectations
 Assignments
 Introduction to Aging
Professional Careers in
Gerontology
READING & RESOURCES
50 Fascinating Aging Facts
http://www.mastersinhealthcare.com/blog/2011/50fascinating-aging-facts-for-older-americans-month/
Albert and Freedman, Chapter 1
Preparing future long term care leaders
http://www.mcknights.com/preparing-future-longterm-care-leaders-perspectives-change-afterbecoming-residents/article/206450/
Preparing for Future Consumers
http://www.leadingage.org/Preparing_for_Future_Co
nsumers.aspx
New Target: Baby Boomers
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/06/sunda
y/main20039772.shtml
2
3
1/28/132/3/13
2/4/132/10/13
Demographics, Aging and
Health
 Demographics
 Aging and Needs of the
population – the Silver
Tsunami
 Disparities
Biology and Physiology of
Aging
 What is aging? What is
65?
 Why do we grow old?
Current Events
Presentation Begin in the
Discussion Board!
Age Wave = Change Wave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvjafDYlRQA
Albert and Freedman, Chapter 2
Current Events Assignments Posted/Available!
American Journal of Public Health | August 2002, Vol.
92, No. 8, 1139-1141 “Mortality and Attributions of
Aging among Older Adults”
Both from the American Society on Aging:
http://www.asaging.org/publications
“The public health perspective on aging “ Generations
29(2), 5-10
“Promoting Activity Among Older People”
Generations 29(2), 54-59
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4
2/11/132/17/13
Common Diseases in Older
Adults
 Multiple Systems
 Co-morbid Conditions
Albert and Freedman, Chapter 4
5
2/18/132/24/13
Wellness and Health in
Older Adults
 Living well
 Importance of literacy
Albert and Freedman, Chapter 3
Psychosocial Aspects of
Aging
 Ageism and the stigma
of being old
 Alternative lifestyles
AIDS: 30 years Later – AARP article
http://www.aarp.org/health/conditionstreatments/info-05-2011/aids-30-years-later.1.html
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2/25/133/3/13
Poll: Upbeat Baby Boomers Say They’re Not Old Yet:
http://style.lifegoesstrong.com/aging-poll
The needs of older LGBT Adults - article
http://www.clinicalgeriatrics.com/articles/Addressing
-Needs-Older-Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-and-TransgenderAdults?page=0,2
LGBT Seniors – read the report
http://www.mcknights.com/gay-lesbian-andbisexual-seniors-are-more-likely-to-suffer-fromchronic-disease-emotional-problems-and-isolationstudy-says/article/199624/
Ageism
http://medtopicwriter.com/2011/04/06/ageismigniting-depression-and-diminishing-quality-of-lifefor-geriatrics-everywhere/
Growing tired of the Baby Boomers?
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/parentingfamily/2010-11-18-boomerloathing18_CV_N.htm
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3/4/133/10/13
Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and
other mental health issues
 Alzheimer’s and
Dementia
 Mental Illness and
depression
 Substance Abuse
Albert and Freedman, Chapters 6&7
Alzheimer’s Association 2011 Fast Facts
http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2011_Facts_
Figures_Fact_Sheet.pdf
Kolata, (2010), Years Later, No Magic Bullet Against
Alzheimer’s Disease, New York Times, 08292010.
Substance Abuse among Older Adults
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/229/229OlderAdms2k10
.htm
Illicit Drug Use among Older Adults
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/168/168OlderAdults.htm
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3/11/133/15/13
Mid-Term Exam Due
3/10/2013
Mid-Term Exam due into Sakai 3/10/2013.
Palliative Care and End of
Life Issues
 Difference between
hospice and palliative
care
 POLST: Physician Orders
Albert and Freedman, Chapters 10&11
for Life-Sustaining
Treatment
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=
3254
POLST
http://www.ohsu.edu/polst/
Week 8 quiz due 3/15/13
SPRING BREAK MARCH 16 – MARCH 24, 2013
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3/25/133/31/13
Families, Caregivers, and
Social Support
 Impact and importance
 The value of unpaid
caregiving
Impact on Caregivers
http://www.familiesinsociety.org/ArticleArchive/201
1/92-1_Lai.pdf
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF FAMILY
CAREGIVING
http://www.cswe.org/File.aspx?id=16966
Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update - The Growing
Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/18/138163839/aarpfinds-toll-on-family-caregivers-is-huge
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4/1/134/7/13
Policy Issues for Health
Care and the aging society
 Access
 Payment
 Quality of Care; Quality
of Life
Caring for an Aging America in the 21st Century
Three Spheres of Aging – pdf in resources
Leading Change: An Opportunity to Transform
Healthcare Services
http://www.leadingage.org/uploadedFiles/Content/A
bout/CAST/Resources/Leading_Change_Whitepaper.
pdf
Ten Years after the IOM Report Crossing the Quality
Chasm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10YXqbDHtGA
Retooling for an Aging America – report brief
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2008/Retooling-for-anAging-America-Building-the-Health-CareWorkforce.aspx
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4/8/134/14/13
Community Wellness
Models
 CLASS
 Aging in Place
Senior Living Trends
http://aginginaction.com/2011/02/mather-lifewaysinstitute-on-aging-identifies-10-senior-living-trends/
Aging in Place
http://www.ageinplace.org/
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12
13
14
4/15/13
–
4/21/13
4/22/134/28/13
4/29/135/5/13
Long Term Care and
Community Based Care
 Medical Home
 Person Centered Care
Integrating Health Care
Delivery Systems
 Primary Care
 Intersections with other
health services
Medicare, Medicaid, and
Long Term Care Insurance
 The impact of
insurance; Medicare
Advantage Plans
Albert and Freedman, Chapter 9
Nursing Home Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64qOrWl8460&s
ns=em
My Top 10 Movements in Long Term Care
http://www.ltlmagazine.com/me2/dirmod.asp?sid=9
B6FFC446FF7486981EA3C0C3CCE4943&nm=All+Issue
s&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle
&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4
&id=D8909B1B9F6C4E9AB6C5350994623893
Accountable Care Organizations
http://www.kff.org/ahr051311video.cfm
Affordable Care Act Provisions Relating to the Care of
Dually Eligible Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries
http://www.kff.org/healthreform/8192.cfm
The Urgency of Preparing Primary Care Physicians to
Care for Older People with Chronic Illnesses:
Health Affairs May 2010 vol. 29 no. 5 811-818
http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/29/5/811.ab
stract
Health Reform and Medicare
http://www.medicarerights.org/issuesactions/publications.php
Dual Eligibles: Medicaid's Role for Low-Income
Medicare Beneficiaries
http://www.kff.org/medicaid/4091.cfm
Medicare and You
CMS Product No. 10050 Revised February 2011
http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10
050.pdf
What is Medicare/Medicaid? CMS Publication No.
11306 April 2008
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11
306.pdf
15
5/7 -8/13
Reading Days
15
5/9/13
Spring Exam Period Begins
Final Paper due into Sakai 5/9/2013.
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