OSHER 389 - Understanding Aging

This course will examine how we can enjoy a healthier, happier, and better-prepared life as we age across the challenges of the lifespan. We will look at what is "normal" aging and what is not, what impacts normal aging, how our attitudes can be detrimental and beneficial to aging, and how we can create peace of mind for ourselves and our families in preparing our futures. Topics include: The biology of the aging brain and how that biology affects the risk for cognitive impairment, a closer look at dementia and mental health, managing illness, the latest healthy aging research, the role of the family and caregivers as we age, how and when to plan for our future needs (financial, physical, emotional, and end of life), identification of resources for the aging population, and reframing aging and ageism.