Unit 1

Overview

In this first unit, we'll be creating a foundation for our learning, beginning with an overview of adult aging. We will consider the Biopsychosocial perspective, a powerful, holistic theoretical framework for understanding and explaining development in adulthood and later life. We will be returning to this perspective throughout our learning in this course -- it will serve as our touchstone as we consider the personal and social aspects of adult aging, the domains of aging well, as well as the social forces and developmental pressures which shape how we experience development and aging into the farthest reaches of the life-course.

Learning Objectives

By participating in the Unit 1 learning activities, you will engage with the following learning outcomes:

• Define adult aging as a life-long, complex and holistic process.
• Identify the key features of the biopsychosocial approach to adult aging.
• Identify the central characteristics of human development and aging in adulthood.
• Describe various ways in which we can live well in the face of aging-related changes and challenges.
• Recognize and address common myths of aging.
• Reflect on the meaning of positive, healthy aging for your own life.

Instructional Materials & Assignments

• Read Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspectives: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Positive Aging, by Friedman and Ryff, from the online text The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of adulthood and aging. U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell (available through the PCC library).
• Take the Myths of Aging Quiz to test your knowledge of the facts and the myths about what happens in life's later years.
• Read Age is Strange
• Read "Aging: Every Body's Doing It! pages 16-21. (See if available through your library.)
  • Sasser, J. R., & Moody, H.R. (2018). Gerontology: The basics. Abingdon, Oxon, U.K.: Routledge. ISBN (ebk): 978-351-11323-6
• Unit 1 Discussion: Creating a framework and community for our learning
• Unit 1 Assignment: Personal Reflection Essay