Introduction

The rapid changes in the modern world put old people at a great disadvantage. When family structures and economic systems change rapidly the old people become the most vulnerable. They get exposed to several abuses. In developing countries the community gives little support to old people yet the burden of looking after the increasing numbers of orphans fall on their shoulders. Most pension schemes and insurances have little consideration for the needs of aging people. Therefore, there is a great demand for a course of this nature which would provide the necessary knowledge of how to address the issues old people face. Old people have to learn skills to reduce the dependency syndrome and have to live a satisfactory life during their advanced years.

Rationale for the Course

Social Gerontology focuses on producing professionals who are capable of helping to establish and manage programmes for the aging people. They would provide advocacy for the aged as well as individuals in their custody. The curriculum of Social Gerontology has been designed to provide students with knowledge that would enable them address issues affecting them as individuals and those of the clients.

Course Objectives

• To enable a student acquire the attitudes, and values in handling old age issues.
• To enable a student use the knowledge and skills for self benefit and for carrying out discussion on the conditions of the old people.
• To enable a student develop strategies for establishing old people institutions and advocacy.
• To equip students with skills to alleviate challenges old people are faced with.

NOTE:
The degree in Social Gerontology will take 3 years based on semester system, leading to the award of Bachelor of Arts in Social Gerontology. The curriculum of Social Gerontology has been designed to provide students with knowledge that would enable them address aging issues.

(Source: Ndejje University website)