Jan 23, 2018
Vancouver, BC – Langara Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Management Jacqueline Bradshaw announces a new comprehensive, applied, and interdisciplinary two-year Diploma in Gerontology which will be offered in September 2018. This unique program is the only entry-level diploma program with a concentration in gerontology offered in BC.
Please join us for the program launch and information session:
DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 5:00 pm
LOCATION: T Building Gallery, 2nd floor
RSVP: Pavanpreet Sodhan at psodhan@langara.ca by Monday, February 26, 2018
The program prepares students to work with the increasing population of older persons. Statistics Canada’s 2016 census indicates that for the first time, older persons outnumber children in this country. Development of this unique program is a direct response to the profound and far-reaching changes in Canadian demographics. The needs of this aging population will require a comprehensive multidisciplinary response from knowledgeable, committed professionals who are trained to respond thoughtfully and compassionately to the diverse range of needs presented by older persons.
The majority of older persons will want to “age in place” in their own homes and communities. Older persons will require assistance in order to remain physically active, be socially engaged, build “resilience” and be as healthy and independent as possible in their homes and communities. This means that they will require a range of services in health and wellness, education, recreation, community supports and advocacy as they navigate the health care and social service systems. Services will likely be offered through senior centers, community centers, neighbourhood houses, community coalitions, ethno-cultural organizations, Indigenous communities, family service agencies, as well as hospitals and residential care facilities. Palliative care will also increasingly be needed for older adults and their family members as they transition through end of life care.
"It is imperative that education remain relevant and one way to do this is to ensure we have comprehensive opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to learn about social environments that surround us. The field of aging is an example of this opportunity. As the global population ages, there comes tremendous opportunity, but there also emerges potential cultural, economic, and political challenges. Gerontology programs such as this are fundamental to address the information deficit around supporting older adults and the aging process. Congratulations to Langara College for their foresight and leadership in joining other esteemed academic institutions across the world in offering current and prospective students the opportunity to participate in experiential-learning initiatives in the field of aging and social gerontology," says Kahir Lalji, Provincial Director, Healthy Aging, United Way of the Lower Mainland.
This is a dynamic and exciting field with tremendous career opportunities for people who have a passion for working with older persons, families, communities and professionals as they develop new and innovative practices and approaches in gerontology. The aim of this program is to position students for a career in the field of gerontology where there will be increasing reliance on community-based agencies to provide health promotion, prevention and support services to older adults in order to prevent social isolation, along with effectively managing both physical and mental health needs.
The aging population is culturally diverse and the program has a strong emphasis on understanding the aging process in the context of Indigenous and other diverse cultural values and beliefs. Student will apply specialized knowledge, theory and ethics within gerontology service settings while developing professional practical skills.
This distinctive program positions students for a satisfying career in Gerontology.
About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Wendy Weston
Communications Officer
Langara College
wweston@langara.ca
604.323.5884