Gerontology

Contact Information

Sister Virginia Sposito, RSM, MA
Phone: (518) 438-3111, ext. 209
Email: ginnys@mariacollege.edu

The Gerontology Certificate Program provides an overview of the aging process for professionals and paraprofessionals employed in the delivery of services to the aged, for those who hope to enter the field, for allied health students who will be working with this population, and for any wishing to gain knowledge of the aging process.

Note: 6 additional elective credits are required

Division

  1. Day, Evening & Weekend College

    Elective Courses

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 12
    Grn 102 Nutrition of Aging 1

    1 credit hour (Fall-Spring) 

    An overview of the physiological, social and environmental status of older adults. Includes the nutritional requirements of persons 65 and over, food and feeding problems associated with aging, and resources available to help meet the nutritional needs of this diverse population.

    Grn 103 Alzheimer’s Disease 1-2

    1-2 credit hours (Fall-Spring) 

    A study of Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on the magnitude, pathology, progression, treatment and interventions of the disease.

    Grn 104 Social Problems of the Elderly 3

    3 credit hours Spring
    Cross listed as Soc 104 

    Examination of selected current social problems of the elderly in the United States, such as alcoholism and other addictions, crime, depression, elder abuse and other pertinent issues. Analysis of the issues, as well as treatment of these problems, will be studied.

    Grn 105 Health of Aging 1

    1 credit hour (Fall-Spring)
    Cross listed as Soc 108 

    A study of the various issues regarding health and aging. Development theory, normal age changes, prevalent diseases of the elderly, and society’s view of health and aging will be studied and analyzed.

    Grn 107 Sociology of Work and Leisure 1

    1 credit hour (Spring)
    Cross listed as Soc 107 

    An exploration of various options of understanding leisure and its role in our present lives and as we age.

    Grn 110 Diversity of Aging 2

    2 credit hours
    Cross listed as Soc 110

    This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the aging process within the context of specific diverse groups in our population, both historically and at the current time.

    Psy 209 Psychology of Aging 3

    3 credit hours 

    Study of the psychological effects that events such as retirement, illness, loss of capacity and the prospect of death have on the elderly. It will also examine physiological, sociological, economic and psychological changes the elderly will encounter.

    Required Courses

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 6
    Grn 101 Introduction to Gerontology 3

    3 credit hours (Fall-Spring)
    Cross listed as Soc 105 

    An interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging, this course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the aging process and an overview of the major issues in gerontology.

    Grn 106 Elderly Care Services 3

    3 credit hours Spring
    Cross listed as Soc 106 

    An introduction to the care of the elderly in our modern society. The course will focus on historical background and development of services, demographics and assessment of programs.