MCCCD Program Description

Concepts of Aging

Course: NCE290

First Term: 2011 Summer I

Lecture 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s) 1 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Examine several concepts of aging: physiological, cognitive, spirituality, health promotion, and pharmacology of the older adult. Focus will be placed on caring for the aging patient and their family.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify normal changes in the physiological functioning of the older adult and the theories that support this. (I) 2. Describe appropriate assessment of the physiological, cognitive and holistic concerns of the older adult. (II) 3. Compare the distinctive clinical symptoms of cognition and the aging process. (II) 4. Compare organic and non-organic mental disorders associated with aging. (III) 5. Examine holistic issues of the elderly and the challenges they face. (IV) 6. Describe changes in the aging process affecting pharmacology and the older adult. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. General Changes with Aging and the theories that support them A. Physical changes B. Theories of aging II. Assessment of the Elderly A. Body systems B. Lab values C. Cognitive D. Components of holism III. Mental Disorders in the Elderly A. Organic Mental Disorders (Dementia) B. Non-organic Mental Disorders IV. Holistic Issues of the Elderly A. Issues of the caregiver B. Meaning of Health, Wellness and Well-being C. Components of Psychological Health in Older Adults D. Dimensions of wellness V. Pharmacology and the Elderly A. Pharmacokinetics and the aging process B. Patterns of Drug Use Among the Older Adult C. Review of Selected Drugs Used by the Older Adult D. Special Problems of Medication-Taking by Older Adults

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 5/24/2011

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.