Applying Epidemiology to the Study of Aging (EP760)
The elderly represent the most rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population. Conducting research on this group requires special considerations in both the design and execution of epidemiologic studies. The two objectives of each session are to review the current state of knowledge in the topic area, and to examine the special methodologic issues that conducting studies of the topic in an elderly study population pose. Objectives are met by lectures, readings from the literature, and presentations by researchers active in studies of aging populations. By the end of the course, students prepare and present to the class a research proposal of their choosing that illustrates important conceptual and methodological design issues in aging research.
Prerequisite - The epidemiology MPH core requirement or consent of the instructor (638-7775)
Credits – 4

Advanced Topics in Bioethics: Birth, Life and Death (LW825)
This seminar explores the interface of bioethics and public policy. After an introduction to the foundational questions and problems of bioethics and an exploration into the historical views of birth, life and death, the class uses a series of paradigmatic cases to better understand when, if and how to create public health policy. Case studies include: abortion; selective fetal termination; assisted reproductive technologies; genetic testing, screening and therapy; fetal-maternal conflicts; the human genome project; human death; brain death; personal death; persistent vegetative coma; termination of life support; euthanasia; assisted suicide; and eugenics. The ultimate goal of this course is to analyze how bioethics can inform broad public policy in a pluralistic society. Readings are from both classical and contemporary writings in ethics, law, medicine, public health policy and human rights.
Prerequisite - The health law MPH core course requirement. SPH LW725 recommended
Credits – 4

Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Finance (HS711)
This course examines the major issues related to the financing and delivery of long-term care (LTC) services to persons with disabilities and chronic conditions of all ages. Students obtain knowledge of the current LTC service delivery system and populations served (i.e. elders and younger persons with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities and chronic mental illness) ; public and private sector reimbursement and financing strategies; and financial and public policy analysis techniques. Students develop and critique a variety of LTC reform initiatives from the perspectives of the "government," the "firm," and the "household." Additional topics covered include: institutional and home and community-based care, subacute care, integrated Medicare and Medicaid managed care systems, and consumer-directed services. Public and private LTC insurance strategies, supportive housing options, home equity conversion, innovative financing strategies such as block grants, vouchers, and medical savings accounts, and international LTC initiatives are also discussed.
Credits – 4

Managed Care & Special-Needs Populations (HS839)
As managed care expands its influence over the nation's health care delivery system and enrolls growing numbers of Medicaid and Medicare patients, more and more individuals with disabilities and chronic illness receive their health care through HMO's. This change raises many important policy and programmatic issues, particularly for persons with disabilities and special health care needs. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the special health and long-term care needs of frail elders; individuals with cognitive, physical, and developmental disabilities, and chronic illnesses; and children in foster care. It addresses the special issues for each of these populations, as well as the interaction of the populations with managed care policy issues such as benefit structure, access standards, capitation financing, provider networks, and quality management.
Prerequisite - SPH HS 702.
Credits – 4

Public Health Perspectives on Disability (HS820) - Public health professionals and practices have helped to prolong life by reducing premature mortality in infancy, childhood, early adulthood, and, increasingly, old age. In the process, we have increased the prevalence of disability, but done little, from a public health perspective, to understand the nature of disability, nor to meet disabled persons' health and health-related needs. This course is designed to redress the imbalance by considering disability and the disabling process from a public health perspective.
Prerequisite - SPH HS702 or consent of instructor (638-5042)
Credits – 4

Nutrition, Aging, and the Elder Population (SB732) - This course explores the nutritional needs of elderly adults and describes the various physiological, psychological, and social changes that occur with aging that affect dietary and nutritional status. The techniques of nutritional assessment of elders in both the community and clinical settings are discussed. The nutritional needs of older adults are linked with recommendations designed to maintain optimal health into older age. Students learn about the major federal and state nutrition programs that target elders and are able to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in services. Preparation of a brief policy memo on a topic of current interest and/or controversy related to elderly nutrition is required.
Prerequisite - SPH HS 710 or consent of instructor (638-5160)
Credits – 2

SSW WP 704 Social Policy and Programs on Aging

This course explores the development and scope of public policies directed toward older persons. It reviews the provisions and workings of current programs, with special attention to implications for social work practice. Program areas investigated include acute and long-term health care, housing and community-based services, and the formal service structure and its relationship to informal service provision. Finally, the course explores emerging policy innovations in aging, such as public and private insurance for chronic-care needs, life care programs, and proposals for more progressive public policies affecting older Americans. Hudson. 3 cr, 1st sem.  

SSW CP 807 Clinical Practice with Older People

This course reviews life cycle and other developmental theories informing clinical practice with aging populations. Discussion highlights the impact of poverty, racism, ageism, and changing economics on the biopsychosocial phenomenology of aging in urban environments. Methods and techniques of assessing and interviewing older people, their families, and their networks are taught through case analysis and role play. 3 cr, 2nd sem.

SAR HP 718 Geriatric Fitness Assessment: Community Trends and Cooperative Interventions

Multidisciplinary collaboration using independent coursework and clinical knowledge/skills to assess the fitness needs of select communities of urban elderly. Students will design and implement appropriate exercises and health promotion activities within a residential environment and plan for continuity and long term provision of such services at the community level. 2 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.

SAR HS 620 Cellular Aspects of Aging Muscle

Prereq: consent of instructor. Focuses on cellular adaptations that occur in muscle with progressive aging. Age-related changes occurring in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle are critically examined by reading and presenting current and classic research papers in muscle morphology, function, and structure. Changes in muscle cells and supporting cells resident in muscle tissue are discussed. Additionally, this course studies the involvement of muscle in age-related diseases. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

SAR HS 733 Seminar in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Aging

Prereq: SAR HS 342/542, or equivalent, and consent of instructor. Comprehensive view of the role of physical activity in the prevention and delay of major metabolic and physiologic alterations which occur with advancing age. Particular emphasis on the review of recent research studies in the area of exercise physiology, geriatrics, and gerontology. 4 cr, 2nd sem.

SAR PT 655 Functional Aspects of Aging

PT students or consent of instructor. Provides a comprehensive examination of issues related to PT evaluation and treatment of older adults in the context of a systems approach. Topics include wellness, disease, and prevention of disability, as well as psychosocial and medical-legal issues encountered in home, community, and institutional (i.e., hospital, subacute rehab, and long-term care) settings. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

Boston University Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late Life Function (Applied Gerontology)

The focus of Boston University's Roybal Center for the Enhancement of Late-Life Function is the promotion of physical activity to enhance the functioning of older adults through the application of theoretically grounded behavioral interventions designed to assist older persons to increase activity levels within their daily life.

Boston University Gerontology Center

Founded in 1974, the Boston University Gerontology Center was the first university center on aging in New England. The Center was designed to further research, educational training, and practice in the study of aging. The Center offers many opportunities for students and the general public.

Training, research and practice in health care is done through the Boston University Geriatric Service, providing care to over 700 Boston elders at home, and Jewish Memorial Hospital. A well maintained reference library containing books, periodicals, and other related material, as well as videos is available for anyone interested.

An all university center on aging, the Boston University Gerontology Center draws upon faculty and courses throughout university departments and schools for its academic certificate programs. Its annual Summer Institute includes academic courses not generally offered during the school year and professional continuing education workshops taught by university and guest faculty who are experts on a specific topic.

Boston University School of Public Health – Health and Disability Working Group

The Health and Disability Working Group (HDWG) is a research, technical assistance and training center of the Boston University School of Public Health. Previously known as the Medicaid Working Group, our goal is to improve the delivery of medical, behavioral, and support services to people with a broad range of disabilities and chronic illnesses. The HDWG promotes the exchange of information and ideas between policy makers, providers, and consumers to support the delivery of the best possible services in the most effective manner.  

BUMC: The New England Centenarian Study