Elders, Communities, and Care

3 credits · Undergraduate

Aging is a deeply personal and profoundly social experience shaped by intersecting factors such as health, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and policy. This course examines the role of social work in supporting elders within diverse communities, focusing on aging with dignity, autonomy, and community connection. Students explore ageism, elder rights and roles, caregiving, mental health, housing, healthcare access, and end-of-life care. Grounded in critical social work, the course emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and policy advocacy to address systemic barriers faced by aging populations. Through case studies, applied learning, and community engagement, students will develop practical skills to support older adults and their networks in various social work settings, from healthcare to long-term care and community-based programs.