Mental Health and Aging

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The primary purpose of this course is to expose students to basic issues relevant to the mental health of the elderly, which includes an experiential learning component in the form of volunteer relationships with an older adult. In the classroom, students will be challenged to think critically about the mental health issues associated with later life and are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Topics focused on pathological aging include psychological disorders, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; resiliency in aging topics include: physical and mental health, social support, personality, coping, and stress. Class presentations, volunteer activities, and the readings will be used to stimulate discussion and critical thinking. Students will also keep a journal for this purpose. The format of the course may include some lecture, but will rely heavily on class discussion and group activities. Students are required to participate in some type of volunteer activity over the course of the semester (i.e., a minimum of one hour/week). Students may generate their own volunteer placement or I can help match you up with one.