Transfers ToUC and CSUCal-GETC Area 4 · IGETC Area 4 · CSU GE Area D · CSU GE Area EDescriptionThis course introduces foundation theories and constructs of gerontology and psychology to examine the aging-related biopsychosocial changes that influence how mature and older adults feel about themselves, how they process information, and how they encode memories about what they experience and learn. Special emphasis is placed on psychological differences between aging cohorts based on psychosocial factors present during the decade of birth and earlier stages of life, gender/sex and race/ethnicity, the social determinants of health, bias development, prejudice and discrimination, and racism, ableism, sexism, and ageism. Topics include psychological theories, models, and constructs that have practical application during interactions with older people; stages of life and phases of aging; aging- related changes (senescence) and the psychological impact of those changes; how illnesses, diseases, and disabilities complicate aging; the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems; and models of sensorineural processing and learning/memory. Case studies are utilized to explore older adult health and mental health, personality and communication behaviors, environmental factors, and the impact of the social determinants of health on overall well-being, quality of life, and aging outcomes. This course is not open to students who have completed GERON 305. 