Aging, Long-Term Care, and Positive Psychology

Fulfills CA-BBS Aging and Long-Term Care requirements. Check with your state’s licensing board.

Between 1900 and 2022, American life expectancy jumped from 47 years to 79 years. Advances in genetic engineering, tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, nanotechnology, hormone therapies, and other fields are likely to foster a longevity revolution in which lifespans get much longer and people look and function younger at older ages. What can psychology in general and positive psychology teach us about how to live longer, healthier, and happier?

The course also provides an introduction to key concepts and terminology in the study of aging, in working with nursing homes and assisted living residents and facilities, and in differentiating the types of dementia and tests to assess dementia. Because identifying and reporting elder abuse is an important clinical issue, the course also includes information on identifying and reporting elder abuse.

This introductory course consists of four audios with text transcripts focusing on what research on aging and research on centenarians can teach us about living longer, healthier, and happier and how therapists can apply this knowledge to their clients (and to themselves). Additional resources and references are provided for further study, but they are not part of the course.