Population-Based Research on Aging
- Course Number: GMS 6485
- Credits: 3
- Course Format: This online course is tailored for asynchronous distance learners.
- Course Syllabus: Download
Course Description
This course evaluates population-based research on aging including epidemiology. The course uses a foundation of population health as a guideline. Thus, the terminology will be used interchangeably throughout the course. The course focuses on health conditions and conceptual models specific to older adults. These topics include ecological health, disability outcomes, COVID-19, frailty, dementia, health behaviors, hospitalization, falls and chronic pain. There is also an emphasis on epidemiological tools for evaluating population health, e.g. prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of hallmark geriatric health conditions. The student will develop competency in identifying and understanding the common health conditions most relevant to elders, population and global health terminology, and some basic epidemiological concepts. The student will be expected to communicate on these topics using both written and oral forms. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to critically evaluate research and interventions for understanding and improving the population health of older adults.
Course Goals
The goals of the course are to critically evaluate population health as it relates to gerontological constructs and geriatric health outcomes. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe and interpret how population health is used for monitoring the health conditions of elders, become familiar with research designs and methods for population health, critically evaluate the assessment of health and disability conditions specific to older adults and apply these concepts to current population health activities across the globe.
