This course has been designed to give you, the learner, opportunities to increase your understanding related to health in later life. You will examine the changing demographics and political and societal forces influencing the health of older persons. Students in health professions will also be able to integrate this new learning in order to develop clinical skills that will be of value in their practice with elderly persons. Throughout the semester you will be encouraged to examine different perspectives and explore several central issues related to the elderly as you develop an individual philosophy and viewpoint on aging and the health of the elderly. The course will focus on the experience of aging, determinants of health, common health challenges and selected issues related to health in this later life stage.