Gerontology

This 42-hour certificate program provides an overview of the aging population in America. It is designed to benefit healthcare practitioners or individuals who work in programs and services for the aging, including nurses, social workers, nursing home administrators, counselors and clergy. This program can also be beneficial to personal caregivers and for people who are interested in exploring the geriatric field. The certificate is awarded upon completion of four required and two elective courses. You may register for an individual course, even if you do not wish to complete the entire program.

Required Courses
	Course I: Health and Aging Course II: Medical Options and Choices Course III: Life Choices and Aging Course IV: Memory and Thought in the Aging - Alzheimer Disease

Electives
	A. The Specifics of Death and Dying B. Grandparenting C. Spirituality and Sexuality D. Identity Theft and other Personal Safety Issues for Older Adults

Course I: Health and Aging

This course will provide an overview of illnesses and conditions impacting the lives of older adults living in the United States. The class will also review the effects of aging and coping mechanisms of individuals, family and friends as they go through life.

WHPAH 0009 WB1/ Sat, 4/28, 9am-5pm

Course II: Life Choices as We Age

This course will explore careers, volunteer opportunities, housing, travel programs, finances, healthy living practices, as well of the many positive and exciting options that the aging have in their current lives.

WHPAH 0008 WB1/ Spring 2013

Course II: Medical Options and Choices in Aging

This course will explore the various aspects of aging related to medical options, such as housing, care and services. In addition, it will include directives such as living wills, power of attorney, health insurance and more in preparing for the future.

WHPAH 0026 WB1/ Fall 2012

Course IV: Memory and Thought in the Aging – Alzheimer’s Disease

Nearly 50% of all persons over 85 years of age show symptoms of Alzheimer and related dementia disease processes. Gain an understanding of memory and thought processes, the causes of breakdown in these functions and the various methods of intervention and treatment.

WHPAH 0004 WB1/ Fall 2012

• Elective •

A. The Specifics of Death and Dying

This course will review the process of aging and how all of us experience crisis, long term care health concerns, and death in one way or another. The purpose of this course is to address the multiple details that often times catch us off guard. Decisions regarding living wills, powers of attorney, long term placement, finances, funeral arrangements, etc, are often made on short notice at a very emotional time. Many of the “specifics” were not even options years ago. However, with the increase in life expectancy and improvements in technology, it is necessary to educate and become more comfortable with such details.

WHPAH 0024 WB1/ Fall 2012

Course B.: Grandparenting

This course will analyze Grandparenting in the 21st century. It will include styles, roles, stereotypes, intergenerational programs and family dynamics related to Grandparenting.

WHPAH 0023 WB1/ Sat, 3/24, 9am-5pm

To register please call 215-968-8409, select option #1. For additional information, please call 215-968-8324 or email bakerj@bucks.edu