Chabot College
Fall 2002
Removed Fall 2006
Course Outline for Sociology 33
SOCIOBIOLOGY OF AGING
Catalog Description:
33 – Sociobiology of Aging
3 units
Analysis of the basic nature of healthy biological aging as distinguished from untimely
infirmities of old age for European-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans,
Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Examination of regressive factors, cultural,
environmental and attitudinal, which may contribute to physical decline, and ill health in
advancing years. Includes contrasts and comparisons of health and illness between and
within different racial groups; overview of the effect of the physical aging process on body
systems; and health care programs, ethics, long-term care and issues of autonomy. 3 hours.
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
identify and assess the various factors which tend to accelerate the natural
transition to senescence;
delineate the medical and social problems which exist in the field of geriatrics;
discuss the physical aging process;
discuss the relationship between physical aging and social issues specifically loss of
roles and status;
analyze the role and function of health care policy and practice for the elderly;
evaluate the impact of the disparity in mortality and morbidity for minority elders;
demonstrate knowledge of the impact of culture upon the health beliefs and
practices of minority elders;
articulate issues of death and dying as they would relate to the elderly.
Course Content:
1.
Physical aging
a.
Natural changes
b.
Sensory loss
c.
Comparative aging in the animal kingdom
d.
Classification of physical aging
e.
Patterns in aging
f.
Intrinsic aging
g.
Special topic: Aging Brain
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 33
Fall 2002
Page 2
Course Content (Cont'd):
2.
3.
4.
h.
Successful Aging
i.
The influence of cohort upon mortality and morbidity
j.
Liabilities that Americans bring to old age
Pathology of aging
a.
Manifestations of early aging
b.
Contributing factors
c.
Regression in human aging
d.
Diseases prevalent in old age
e.
Life-time prevention
f.
Bioethical issues in aging
g.
Ethical issues in long-term care and autonomy
h.
Medicine and moral arguments
i.
Informed consent
j.
Dual Powers of Attorney for health care
Minority aging and health: A population at risk
a.
Health and ill health for African American elders
b.
Health and ill health for Hispanic elders
c.
Health and ill health for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders
d.
Health and ill health for Native American elders
e.
Health beliefs and practices as they influence health behaviors
f.
Mortality and morbidity/comparative analysis
Issues of death and dying as they relate to the elderly
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lecture
Guided discussion
Small group activities
Audio-visuals
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Outside assignment of a paper with examples of the role of the media in
fostering negative images of physical health in old age
b.
Group assignment – hardware design change, adapting the personal
computer to better accommodate the vision changes that accompany old
age, e.g. more contrast in key board, larger flatter screen
c.
In –class group discussion and analysis of case studies
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 33
Fall 2002
Page 3
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress (Cont'd):
d.
2.
Outside assignment - design an intervention strategy for the home that
accommodates physiological changes in old age
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Grades A-F based upon the quality of student work demonstrated in
written assignments, group assignments, quizzes, midterm and final
b.
Clarity and effectiveness in both outside written assignments and
discussion in class that incorporates course content
c.
Critical thinking as demonstrated in both in-class and outside assignments as
it relates to physiological aging
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Human Aging and Chronic Disease, Cary S. Kart, Eileen K. Metriss, Seamus P. Metress,
Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2001, or latest edition.
Working Papers, Stanford Geriatric Education Centers Publishers, 2001, or latest edition.
Aging and Health, African American Elders, Julee Richardson, 2001, or latest edition.
Aging and Health, Hispanic Elders, Cuellar, 2001, or latest edition
Aging and Health, Asian and Pacific Islanders, McBride, Mirioka Dougla, 2001, or latest
edition.
Worlds of Difference: Inequality in the Aging Experience, Gibson R., 2001, or latest edition
Ethnicity & the Dementias, Yeo, G.& Gallagher-Thompson D., 2001, or latest edition.
Aging in Black America, Jackson Chatlers Taylor, Sage Publishers, 2001, or latest edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
Tf: A:/WORD.SOC.33.DOC
Revised-2-5-2002