Healthy Aging: Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes
- Course Number: GMS 6715
- Credits: 3
- Course Format: This online course is tailored for asynchronous distance learners.
- Course Syllabus: Download
Professor Stephen Anton, Ph.D. Discusses GMS 6715
Course Description
Healthy aging is one of the most important scientific, clinical, and public health goals of the 21st century. As populations live longer, preserving physical function, brain health and quality of life has become central to careers in medicine, psychology, public health, rehabilitation sciences, nutrition and health technology.
This course focuses on behavioral and lifestyle factors that affect physical function, cognition, and quality of life in older adults. Students examine evidence-based lifestyle interventions including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, with emphasis on clinical and community applications.
The course is designed to provide foundational training for students interested in:
- Clinical and translational research
- Medicine, psychology, public health and rehabilitation sciences
- Health coaching, wellness leadership and prevention programs
- Aging, longevity, and healthy lifespan innovation
Course Goals
The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth exploration of major health issues facing the growing population of older adults, including physical disability, cognitive decline and chronic pain. The course emphasizes how lifestyle and behavioral factors influence biological, aging, functional capacity and long-term health outcomes.
Students will examine:
- Behavioral antecedents of chronic disease and functional decline
- Evidence based lifestyle and behavioral interventions
- Conceptual frameworks underlying behavior change
- Translation of research findings into clinical and community practice
