As we begin the 21 st Century, we are challenged to think creatively about aging. People are living longer and older people comprise an increasingly larger proportion of the population. What challenges and opportunities does this demographic change pose for individuals, families, and society?

The class uses sociological perspectives to examine aging, emphasizing that age is a socially constructed category and that people age in social contexts. The course addresses questions, such as: When are people considered old? What is the meaning of being old? What is ageism? Why do people fear becoming old? Does being old bring a narrowing of social roles or offer new opportunities? Can older adults be viewed as a resource, rather than a social problem? Is there a "structural lag" between the increasing numbers of older adults, whether vigorous or needing care, and our social institutions? How do culture, gender, sexual orientation, and poverty affect old age?

The class examines the political and ideological conflicts about dependency. Who bears responsibility for elders who become frail and need care, or elders who need financial assistance? What are our individual, family, and collective responsibilities? What are the implications of the privatization of caregiving? What are the implications of making caregiving for the most frail and vulnerable, a commodity provided by private-for-profit corporations? What are the implications of manufacturing a crisis about Social Security and privatizing that safety net? What are the implications of framing social and budgetary priorities, as conflicts between the young and old?

The class makes extensive use of videos, internet assignments and guest speakers to enhance learning. Students are expected to pay attention to current news accounts of issues pertaining to old age.

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