This course is designed to provide students with a graduate-level overview of gerontology and the quality of life of older citizens, including the review of issues impacting wellness, disease, and physical fitness within the social context of aging. The course covers topics of interaction of biological, psychological, emotional, spiritual, socio-economic and environmental factors affecting older adults in todays society as well as addresses health disparities and health inequities related to aging populations. This course explores the social determinants of health across the life-span and how they relate to health and well-being of aging populations, and examines how ageism affects overall population health outcomes nationally. Readings and discussion include review of demographic trends, theoretical and developmental models in aging, health policies, intergenerational relationships, retirement preparation, and support resources related to illness and end-of-life. Blackboard online assignments are utilized in this course. This course prepares public health students to satisfy MPH competencies in social and behavioral sciences.