The rapidly growing national and global aging population brings both tremendous opportunities and complex problems. Building the longevity economy and an age-inclusive society requires professionals with an understanding of both data science and the aging studies field. The Aging Studies pathway provides learners with the foundational knowledge of aging and innovation in aging services. This pathway will allow for exploration as to how data can be utilized to address the wants and needs of consumers throughout the lifespan, to address topics such as disease-risk and healthy aging, to provide innovation in environmental design, housing, healthcare, transportation, policies and social programs, and in the study and analysis of how aging trends to identify avenues for innovation and change.
Prerequisites
Admission into the Data Science graduate program.
Courses
Required
AGNG 600: Social and Economic Context of Aging
This course presents an overview of the many changes at all levels, from individuals to societal, driven by the aging of the population in the United States. An interdisciplinary synthesis is the basis for understanding normal human aging in a cultural and community context and examining the harmful effects of stereotypes and ageism.
AGNG 604: Policy Foundations of Aging Services
The course operates on two parallel tracks. First, it examines fundamental and theoretical underpinnings of public policy goals, the strategic construct of problem identification and definition, processes of policy initiation, development and advocacy and specifically, how to construct and implement a strategic plan to successfully advance policy initiatives. Secondly, and in the process, significant emphasis is placed on discussions of current policy issues affecting older adults and the organizations that provide services to them.
Choice of One Elective
AGNG 620: An Overview of Dementia & Dementia Care Services
This course will provide an overview of Alzheimer¿s disease and other forms of dementia. The curriculum is based upon a strengths-based, person centered approach to dementia and this framework will be used to explore the experience of those living with and impacted by dementia. This course will analyze the underlying approaches to dementia and the impact of these approaches on persons living with dementia, their supporters, care and service provision, and policy. Learners in this course will be challenged to examine their own personal views and understanding of dementia and apply this to their own academic and professional practice.
AGNG 621: Policy Foundations in Dementia Care Services
National, state/regional and local governments are paying more attention to the problem of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, frequently designating staff to facilitate dementia planning processes or implement programs. Forty-nine states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico have dementia plans and 7 states are updating plans that are 5 years old. Chile just became the 30th nation with a national plan; the World Health Organization (WHO) has just established a target of all nations having a plan or substantial Alzheimer’s disease policy or program within a broader national policy frame such as a non-communicable disease plan in the next 5 years. This course offers aging services professionals training in Alzheimer’s disease/dementia care issues, information about effective policy approaches, and resources to mobilize activities that make sense for governments at different levels.
AGNG 624: Strategy, Marketing, and Service Delivery in Aging Services
This course examines the role of strategy in successful organizations. Insights into how to identify and develop an organization’s strategy and to understand its implications for execution and marketing are explored. The need for in-depth analysis of broad environmental forces and the anticipation of future developments are stressed. It considers how government, technology, and other environmental factors can impact organizational performance and how leaders can strengthen their organization’s abilities to deal with such factors.
AGNG 632: Diversity in Management of Aging Services
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the concepts and complexities of diversity in management of aging services. Diversity is examined beginning with self-evaluation, awareness and group beginnings, and expands to current workforce concepts such as generational diversity, managing and leading from diverse places, handling conflict and the social issues involving diversity in aging. A variety of techniques are deployed to understand commonalities and differences while effectively facing the core issues of management in aging services. Students will learn to engage in dialogue versus debate and to manage social scenarios commonly encountered in aging series organizations.
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