GER 189 Introduction to Gerontology

A cross-cultural exploration of aging as experienced in the United States. Ageism societal attitudes regarding the elderly, and responses to the aging process, both from the individual and social perspective, are examined. Cultural variation and responses to aging and the social, political, and economic implications of a rapidly expanding aging population in the U.S. and in many regions of the world, will be analyzed. Resource and service availability for the elderly--locally, regionally, and nationally--will also be assessed.