FTR 115 - The Future of Aging

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Explore the effects of an aging society on the future. Use futuring tools to examine the impacts of the longevity revolution on economics, health care, the environment, family life, housing, technology and transportation. Develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges created by an aging society.

Course Outcomes:

Introduction to the future of aging.
- Present the changing demographics of the aging population.
- Explain the challenges resulting from an aging society.
- Discuss the opportunities presented by an aging society.
- Introduce futures thinking and futuring tools.
Discuss the economics of Aging.
- Explain the impact of economic uncertainty on the aging population.
- Explore the issues of work and retirement.
- Rethink the government safety net.
- Discuss the cost and means of paying for government services.
Explore the impact of the environment on the aging population.
- Discus food production and water scarcity.
- Evaluate the impact of natural and manmade disasters.
- Explore the effect of wars.
Understand the issues of aging and the family.
- Discuss the evolution of the family.
- Explore the issues of diversity.
- Understand the costs and issues involved in caregiving.
Explain and identify the issues and opportunities for housing for the aging population.
- Understand current models for housing for aging people.
- Discuss ideas for future housing models.
- Develop new opportunities for housing for aging people.
Study the impact of technology on the aging population.
- Discuss fitness and health.
- Examine medical advances.
- Evaluate transportation options.
Study the issues of health care for the aging population.
- Understand the issues involved in paying for health care.
- Explore the implications of longevity.
- Examine the challenge of increased health or increased chronic illness chronic illness.
- Understand the impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Discuss mental health and addiction among aging people.
- Understand the direction and implications of biomedical research.
- Discuss end of life issues.