The individual experience of aging in Canada is shaped by the larger social policies put in place to respond to population aging. In this course, students explore the role of the welfare state, political ideology, and the concept of social determinants of health in relation to issues affecting older adults and their families. Students use this foundation to examine key areas of concern such as elder abuse, caregiving, dementia, retirement income, income inequality, housing, health care, and aging in place. Students analyze current and proposed policy responses to such issues.

Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).