California State University, Fresno
General Catalog
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Gerontology



You are in the official 1997-98 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program

School of Health and Human Services
GLEN C. DOYLE, Director
San Ramon 2, Room 45
(559) 278-5484

Minor in Gerontology

Certificate in Gerontology



Gerontology is the study of aging. Our nation's steadily increasing older population is creating a unique demand for well educated individuals to understand the field of aging and competent professionals to work with elders.

The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program offers a minor and a certificate in gerontology. Both are designed to prepare students to meet unmet and urgent needs in this rapidly developing field. The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program attracts undergraduate students from all academic areas, e.g., reentry students, graduate students within social science and health professions, service providers, and elders seeking greater understanding of this stage of life.

The study of gerontology is based upon many important theories and concepts of aging, which are presented through an organized course of study. Core courses -- gerontology and cross-listed interdisciplinary -- are designed to present comprehensive biological, psychological, cultural and sociological theories related to the lifelong aging process. Concepts related to the influence of heritage, ethnicity, wellness, exercise and creativity are emphasized. Information related to Healthy People 2000, services and resources; housing and environment; disabilities and rehabilitation; federal, state, and local agencies; social policies and programs for elders is presented.

Students have the opportunity to develop empathy for older adults as they explore communication and interaction with elders in a social setting. Current research findings are presented and research opportunities are available.



Program Responsibilities

The Gerontology Program is responsible for the Gerontology Minor, Gerontology Certificate, interdisciplinary cross-referenced courses, and the Summer Institute on Aging.

Other programs housed within the office of the Gerontology Program include the Elderhostel Program, Friendly Visitor Services, Geriatric Nursing Resource Center, and the Gerontology Education and Resource Center.

It also cosponsors the Central California Alzheimer's Diagnostic Disease Center and the Rohlfing Medical Lectureship Series, and sponsors the Gerontology Club, Elderfest, and continuing education for health professionals.

Certification and recertification classes for administrators of Residential Care Facilities for Elderly (RCFE) are also provided.

Two new programs have been established. The California Geriatric Education Center (CGEC) San Joaquin Valley Program -- a statewide interdisciplinary center supported by a grant from the Bureau of Health Professions, Public Health Service -- provides educational offerings for health professionals. The Fresno Learning Activities in Retirement (FLAIR) is composed of community-based retirees and is dedicated to lifelong learning through classes, lectures, and tours.



Career Opportunities

The development of employment opportunities in the field of gerontology has emerged in response to the needs of a steadily increasing older population. Many occupational roles are available in different sites. These include but are not limited to: federal, state, county, and city agencies, senior citizen centers, adult day care centers, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, acute care hospitals, medical centers, senior housing sites, retirement communities, home health agencies, hospices, legislative bodies, and community planning agencies. New programs are developing in Eldercare, case management, and consultation in business.

There is an increased recognition of the importance of designing and providing specialized programs in the private sector. Knowledgeable people work as consultants in banks, travel agencies, large corporations, insurance companies, educational agencies, publishing and broadcasting agencies, and department stores. The field is wide open for creative and innovative individuals.



Advisory Council and Program Faculty

The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program Advisory Council provides overall curricular decisions, coordination, and collaboration. The Council is composed of representatives from the schools of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Arts and Humanities, the Sid Craig School of Business, Education and Human Development, Health and Human Services, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Many members of the council teach gerontology courses in both the minor and certificate programs. Advisory Council members are: Judith Allender (Nursing), Carl Carmichael (Speech Communication), Donald Coleman (Educational Research, Administration, and Foundations), Glen C. Doyle (Gerontology), William Fasse (Child, Family, and Consumer Sciences), John Franz (Employee Assistance Program), Diana Gilbertson (Business Management), Andrew Hoff (Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies), Phil Kimble (Psychology), Vickie Krenz (Health Science), Hamo Lalehzarian (Engineering), Joanne Laslovich (Physical Therapy), Rose Lyon (Kinesiology), David Natharius (Speech Communication), Elizabeth Nelson (Sociology), Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin (Communicative Sciences and Disorders), Matthew Sharps (Psychology), and Lily B. Small (Ethnic Studies).