Certificate in Healthy Aging

Home / Programs / Online Courses / Certificate in Healthy Aging

Course Length

6 Weeks
10 Course Hrs

Cost

$79.00 USD

HEALTHY AGING COURSE SUMMARY

As the Canadian population ages, there are many opportunities to learn how to work with seniors in multiple settings in a way that supports quality care and quality of life. This certificate is designed for individuals who are working in the health care field, those who are interested in the topic, those who are working with the aging population, or anyone who wishes to prepare for careers in aging services or gerontology. Topics include nutrition and healthy aging, the healthy aging brain, physical activity and healthy aging, the role of intimacy and sexuality on healthy aging, keys to longevity in the centenarian population, and important behavioral and mental health issues in the aging adult.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe specific aspects of aging, including the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the aging process, physiologic changes in the healthy aging brain, the role of intimacy and sexuality on healthy aging, keys to longevity in the centenarian population, and important behavioral and mental health issues in the aging adult.

Admission Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Instructional Material Requirements

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Computer Requirements

PC: Windows 8 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Java.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Completion Requirements

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Course Delivery

100% Online

Or call us today at

1-403-800-8221

COURSE OUTLINE

APPLY ONLINE

You can apply for this certificate course directly online, through our partners at Ed2Go!

or call us today at

403-800-8221

Healthy Aging Course Syllabus

Nutrition and Healthy Aging

Increasing scientific, clinical, and social interest helps us understand the relationship between nutrition and aging. Eating well is essential in all stages of life but is especially important for maintaining good health and slowing the aging process in older adults. Nutrition influences the risk of contracting acute and chronic diseases and affects the physiological and biological processes of aging. Making healthy food choices also has social impacts, since healthy adults are more productive members of society and utilize fewer resources on multiple levels than unhealthy adults.

The Healthy Aging Brain

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. People once believed that progressive mental decline was inevitable, but now we know that the brain’s ability to age well varies from person to person and is affected by genetic predisposition, genes, life experiences, lifestyle, exposure to toxins and chemicals, accidents, trauma, and disease. Cognitive abilities do not automatically decline with age. The majority of older adults are happy. They live an active, optimistic life with many friends and they engage in leisure-time activities that increase not only their quality of life but also their longevity and the health of their brains.

Mental Health and Aging

The enormous increase in the diverse elderly population has prompted a vital societal challenge: the design and delivery of mental health services to the older adult. Because the elderly population in the United States and globally is projected to grow rapidly, the need for geriatric mental health services will also increase dramatically. Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of mental health in later life. This course explores the issues of mental wellness strategies for the aging adult, cultural diversity as it relates to mental health, and traditional as well as integrative therapies to support mental health in the aging population.

Physical Activity and Healthy Aging

Physical activity is essential for healthy aging and well-being. Throughout life, engaging in enjoyable movement, such as walking, dancing, golfing, swimming, and cycling can increase the chances for health and vitality in later years.

Centenarians: Keys to Longevity

Living to be 100 years old was once considered a rare occurrence, but with advancements in medicine and lifestyle changes, living to be 100 is not so improbable today. As a group, there are more centenarians worldwide than ever before, with the largest concentration found in the United States. Five places have been identified worldwide where people live the longest, healthiest lives. These “Blue Zones” where people reach 100 years of age at significantly higher rates include the Barbagia region of Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, the Adventist community of Loma Linda in California, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and the island of Ikaria in Greece. The people living in these places have achieved longevity through different paths and different cultures.

Intimacy, Sexuality, and Healthy Aging

Loving and being loved are essential to maintaining a positive, healthy attitude. Quality of life is often related to affection and tenderness shared with loved ones. With a healthy self-esteem and a willingness to communicate with a partner, older adults can enjoy intimate relationships throughout their lives.

Behavioral and Mental Health in Aging

In the United States and globally, the population is aging rapidly. The need for geriatric behavioral and mental health services will also increase dramatically. Mental health and well-being are important for older adults as at any other time of life. Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of mental health in later life. This course explores the issues of behavioral and mental wellness strategies for the older adult, cultural diversity as it relates to behavioral and mental health, and integrative therapies to support mental health in the aging population.