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BSHS/437

Social Systems and Aging

Course level: Upper Division

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3 credits

Total credits

5 weeks

Course length

Take this course on its own, or as part of a degree or certificate program.

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Please Note: Attendance and participation are mandatory in all University courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.

This course traces the origins of social systems for the aging around the world, followed by an examination of program types, the effects on retirement, demographic changes, political sustainability of social programs for the aging, institutional settings, and labor supply. Students will define and measure population aging by comparing and contrasting U.S. data with other countries by exploring elderly- dependency and age-dependency ratios. Additional topics for discussion and demonstrated understanding by students include: the biology of aging and the pathology of memory, disengagement theory, mental health issues such as depression, suicide, and the psychology of aging, the aging family and changes in family structure, intra- and inter-generational relationships across various societies, and healthful aging ideology.

Please Note: Attendance and participation are mandatory in all University courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.

Earn these career-relevant skills in weeks, not years.

  • Analyze the implications of an aging population on society.
  • Explain the historic relevance and the significance of programs for older adults in the United States.
  • Identify the different psychosocial theories as they relate to service use among older adults.

  • Delineate educational opportunities for older adults.
  • Analyze the programs that community centers offer for older adults.
  • Explain work-related policies for older adults.
  • Describe Social Security, pension benefits, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income programs for older adults.
  • Discuss how local programs for older adults are used in conjunction with state and federal services.

  • Identify physical and psychosocial factors influencing nutrition in older adults.
  • Describe health promotion and wellness programs available to older adults.
  • Examine mental health problems in older adults and available assistance channels.

  • Analyze the relationship between an older adult’s place of residence and their physical, psychological, and social needs.
  • Explain how care management integrates delivery of services for older adults.
  • Identify the factors that necessitate the use of long-term-care-facility programs.

  • Explain social and political influences on aging policies and programs.
  • Determine the structure and purpose of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 2012.
  • Evaluate current and future approaches to services and how they meet the needs of older adults.

Why take courses at University of Phoenix?

University of Phoenix serves busy adults

Accreditation that matters

We’ve been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) for more than 40 years.

Real-world instructors

Learn from instructors who bring an average of 25 years of working experience to the classroom.

Affordable and potentially reimbursable

Our tuition and fees are competitive and fixed. Also, check to see if your employer will cover you for this course.

Transfer-friendly courses

Before you enroll in a course, check with your school of choice to make sure they will accept your transfer credits and to understand any requirements or limitations. Then you can request your transcripts.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice. If you have a question contact us at (866) 354-1800.

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University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. Although our continuing teacher education courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing teacher education courses are not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative. If you have a question contact us at (866) 354-1800.