Gerontology Program
Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor in Gerontology

Undergraduate
Program
Coordinator

Warren Franke

Associate Professor
Kinesiology

Purpose

The interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in gerontology is designed for students interested in improving their understanding of older people in American society of for students desiring careers that involve providing services to the aged.

Employment Opportunities

Types of employment undergraduates could secure include providing services directly to older adults in community based agencies such as senior centers, nutrition sites, and adult day care programs, in residential institutions such as public housing, retirement communities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and hospitals; in educational settings such as community colleges and the extensions service; in business through public relations, marketing departments and consumer relations; and in government agencies at locate, regional, state and federal levels.

Minor Requirements

The undergraduate gerontology minor includes at least 16 credits of which nine shall be selected from the core courses. Students are cautioned that 9 credits of the courses listed in the minor must not be used to meet any other college or university requirement except the credit requirement for graduation.

The student will participate in a pre-practicum seminar prior to a field placement. (Geron/U ST 466, 1 cr.)

The student will complete a supervised field practicum in Gerontology after all gerontology coursework is completed. (Geron/U ST 467, 3-6 cr.)

In summary, the undergraduate minor in gerontology will include:

• 9 credits of core courses
• 3 credits of supportive gerontology related courses or an additional core course
• 1 credit of pre-practicum seminar
• 3 credits of practicum
• 16 credits total

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Teaching Focus: Service Learning Activities in Aging Settings

(Christine Cook)

Our teaching program includes service learning activities, experiential learning opportunities, open to students through the course Geron 463/563, Housing and the Aging. Approximately 32 students participated in service learning in Spring 2006. They work directly with elders in institutions or in the community, completing tasks that agency and facility administrators identified. Students work individually and with small groups of elders completing projects, e.g. reading mail, taking walks, active listening, conducting surveys. The completion of these projects is of benefit to both the elders and the organizations. The students' evaluation of service learning suggests that it is a well-received, promising undertaking that will continue in the housing program.

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Biology of Aging Course for Gerontology Program Website

Biology of Aging is offered every semester as a web-based course. The course covers the following topics: theories of aging, disorders and diseases of aging, disease prevention and successful aging and normal aging of the body systems. For questions, please contact Dr. Van Meter, Des Moines Area Community College, at 515-294-0512 or at her email address: vanmeter@iastate.edu.

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Quotes from Gerontology Undergraduates…

“...the gerontology program really helped me tailor my education to meet my career goals.”

“...the program prepared me to deal with specific issues in caring for the elderly.”

“...it helped me define what I wanted out of my career and in what manner I wanted to serve Iowa’s elderly population.”

“...the gerontology minor definitely gave me the background I needed in my line of work.”