Gerokinesiology Minor
Population aging has been identified as one of the most significant social transformations of the twenty-first century. Since 2010, the proportion of the U.S. population aged >65 years has been growing faster than any other age group. As a result, the CDC's Healthy People 2020 initiative includes objectives to increase the proportion of the healthcare workforce with a geriatric certification.
Students who obtain the Gerokinesiology Minor complete a multidisciplinary curriculum across Aging Studies, Biology, Therapeutic Recreation, and Exercise Science to develop a comprehensive understanding of aging. Students learn how to design, administer, and manage exercise programs to address the specific needs of older persons among whom chronic disease and disability are prevalent.
| Required Courses | ||
| AGST 310 | MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN AGING | 4 |
| BIOL 343 | BIOLOGY OF AGING | 3 |
| EXSC 420 | PRINCIPLES OF PROGRAM DESIGN FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS | 4 |
| RCLS 345 | THERAPEUTIC RECREATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES | 4 |
| Elective Courses–choose one | 4-5 | |
| MINORITY PERSPECTIVES IN AGING | ||
| HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY | ||
| Required Capstone | ||
| EXSC 490 | SENIOR CAPSTONE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE | 4 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Students who earn a Gerokinesiology Minor from EWU should be able to:
- develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the elderly, the aging process, and societal views of aging;
- understand the direct and indirect effects of physical activity on quality of life in the elderly;
- design and administer appropriate physical activity and exercise interventions using sound principles of exercise prescription;
- demonstrate an ability to safely manage exercise for older persons with chronic disease(s) and/or physical disabilities;
- provide basic, relevant health education to participants as appropriate.