Module 1: An Introduction to Aging in America

Module 1: An Introduction to Aging in America
(3 CEUs)

Instructors: Patricia Lenahan, LMFT, LCSW, Dr. Stan Taubman, LCSW, PhD, and Lora Pierce, MS

First module in a two-part series highlighting key issues that confront the expanding and diverse population of adults ages 65 and older.

Format: Mixed-media 1 — Read online content that incorporates case vignettes, reader exercises, and web-based video clips.

Scoll down for course details.

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Course Agenda

1. Instructions
1. Pretest Instructions
2. Pretest
1. Course Overview
1. Introduction
2. Print Posttest Study Guide
3. Age-Related Projections for the United States
4. Ageism in America
5. Training Options for Behavioral Health Professionals
6. Reader Exercise
1. Language Barriers
2. Stigma and Cultural Beliefs
3. Cost of Health and Mental Health Care
1. Top 10 Leading Causes of Death Among Older Adults in the United States
2. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Deaths Among Older Adults in the United States
3. Sexual Health and Older Adults
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in Older Adults
1. Mental Health Disorders Associated with Older Adults
2. The Toll of Caregiver Stress on Older Adults
3. Required Video: Preventing Caregiver Burnout (3:55 minutes)
4. Traditional and Nontraditional Therapeutic Interventions
5. Optional Video: TED Talk—Music Makes Dementia Patients Alive
1. Depression in Older Adults: Summary Points
2. Assessing for Depression
3. Required Video: One Woman’s Experience with Depression (3:30 minutes)
4. Bereavement in Older Adults
5. Required Video: When to Treat Grief and Bereavement (5:08 minutes)
6. Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults
7. Optional Video: Treatment of Depression in Older Adults
1. The Main Types of Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs)
2. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts
3. NCDs and Minorities
4. Optional Resource: Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts (4 CEUs)
1. Drinking Across the Lifespan—Focus on Older Adults
2. Assessing for Substance Abuse or Dependency
1. Statistics on Prescription Drug Use and Addiction in Older Adults
2. Polypharmacy in the Elderly
3. Illicit Drug Use Among Older Adults
1. Prevalence of Suicide Among Older Adults
2. Risk and Protective Factors for Older Adults
3. Optional Resources
1. Required Video: Cultural Diversity in Aging (9:43 minutes)
2. Understanding Ethnic Cultural Differences
1. Vignette 1 Description—Ms. Henderson
2. Vignette 1 Discussion—Ms. Henderson
3. Vignette 2 Description—Ms. Clark
4. Vignette 2 Discussion—Ms. Clark
5. Vignette 3 Description—Mr. Jackson
6. Vignette 3 Discussion—Mr. Jackson
1. Conclusion
1. Posttest
1. Evaluation

About this course

$27.00
52 lessons

Course Details

Course Description

This is the first module in a two-part series that highlights key issues facing older adults, ages 65 and older, in today’s world. Module 1 explores some of the primary challenges facing therapists who serve, or will serve, this rapidly growing and diverse population. Historically, older adults have represented a very small portion of individuals seeking mental health services; however, this situation is expected to change as more members of the baby boomer generation (persons born between 1946 and 1964) reach 65 and beyond. Some of the topics discussed in Module 1 include trends in aging and ageism in America, physical and mental health problems associated with aging, and the importance of culturally competent services and treatment. Module 2 focuses on well-being and successful aging, with discussion of changes to retirement, performing culturally sensitive comprehensive geriatric assessments, and long-term care options. The online content for both modules incorporates case vignettes and short, web-based video clips.

Target Audience

This course can be used toward the mandated pre-license requirement of 10 hours of aging and long-term care coursework for California LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC licenses. This course can also be used to meet continuing education requirements for licensees in California and nationwide.

Learning Objectives

After completion of this module, readers will be able to do the following:

Identify demographic projections for older adults age 65 and older.
Define “ageism” and identify how the stigma of aging in the United States can impact access to all types of services.
Identify common physical and mental health issues associated with aging.
Identify the impact of diversity and multiculturalism on the provision of behavioral health services for older adults.

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