Aging Studies Home

Contact Information

Program Director:
J. Brandon Wallace

Office:
PH 330

Phone:
615-898-5976

AGING STUDIES
at MTSU

The Aging Studies Program at Middle Tennessee State University is an interdisciplinary program of research and education focusing on aging and the elderly. Faculty from nursing, nutrition, speech, physical education, social work, psychology, and sociology conduct research and teach courses that provide students and aging professionals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to address the challenges posed by an aging population. We offer both an undergraduate Minor in Gerontology and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

The older population will grow significantly in the future. This growth slowed somewhat during the 1990's because of the relatively small number of babies born during the Great Depression of the 1930's. But the older population will burgeon between the years 2010 and 2030 when the "baby boom" generation reaches age 65. The population 65 and over will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 (a 15% increase) and then to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% increase for that decade). By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons, almost twice their number in 2007. People 65+ represented 12.6% of the population in the year 2007 but are expected to grow to be 19.3% of the population by 2030.

Caregiving Conference a Success

From all accounts, this year’s DYNAMICS OF ELDERLY CAREGIVING CONFERENCE, which occurred on April 24 at the St. Clair Street Senior Center, was a huge success. With strong attendance and exceptional content, the conference again lived up to its reputation as an important event for local professionals and lay persons seeking information about caring for the elderly. Aging Studies is proud to partner with the School of Nursing, the senior center, and other local organizations in sponsoring this event. Thanks to Dr. Judy Campbell, Nursing, and the rest of the planning committee for a job well done.

New Social Work Course

A new course has been developed by Dr. Margaret A. Seime in the Department of Social Work entitled, “Aging: Multigenerational Practice in Social Work.” This course focuses on working effectively with older adults within multigenerational relationships. It recognizes the reciprocity that occurs across the generations, including not only family members, but also friends, neighbors, and community. Using Social Work knowledge, skills, and values it focuses on assessment and interventions within a multigenerational framework. The class addresses aging, care giving for older adults, raising grandchildren, coping with loss, dementia, and late life changes. The issues of diversity, resiliency, empowerment, social justice, and social change among the elderly are also discussed. This course will be offered every Spring and is cross listed with Sociology, Social Work, and the Gerontology minor.