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Fall 2000 Info-Age, Vol. 5, No. 2
Gerontology Courses Offered at UW-Tacoma
Gerontology recently has become a major
focus at UW-Tacoma. Thanks to the
interests of two new faculty, Dr. Charles
Emlet in Social Work and Dr. Cathy
Tashiro in Nursing, new courses are being
offered in aging. The courses are Aging in
American Society through Social Work
and Minority Health and Aging, in the
Nursing program.
Dr. Tashiro’s interdisciplinary course,
Minority Health and Aging (THLTH 530)
reflects a range of perspectives in the
social, behavioral and health sciences. The
course reviews theoretical perspectives in
aging and their relevance for interpreting
the experiences of racial and ethnic
minorities in the U.S.
Dr. Emlet is Assistant Professor of Social
Work, UW-Tacoma and Adjunct Assistant
Professor, School of Social Work, UW. He
received his Ph.D. in Social Welfare from
the Mandel School of Applied Social
Sciences, Case Western University and his
MSW from California State University,
Fresno.
Aging in American Society, (TSOCW 580)
taught for the first time Summer quarter
2000, is designed to aid the student in
understanding the complexity of the
aging process from the perspective of
the individual, the family, society and
social policy. The course covers the
physical, emotional, psychological and
sexual processes that occur as one ages.
Social aspects of aging, such as family
roles and responsibilities, cultural
diversity, social support networks and
the use of health and social services are
also covered.
A fellow of the Gerontological Society
of America, Dr. Emlet’s current research
focuses on older persons with HIV/
AIDS and on international programs for
older persons. This year he was
awarded a grant from the UW-Tacoma
“Founder’s Endowment Fund” to
explore the demographics and service
priorities for older persons with HIV/
AIDS. The study analyzed data from the
1999 King County HIV consumer
survey. Results will be presented at the
53rd annual scientific meeting of the
Gerontological Society of America, to
be held in Washington, DC in
November.
Dr. Emlet has been awarded a Visiting
Scholar Exchange with the University
of Ljubljana in Slovenia to lecture and
exchange information on gerontological
social work issues. He is
currently working with the Pierce
County Office of Aging and Long Term
Care and with the DSHS Division of
Alcohol and Substance Abuse to assess
the problems and needs of older adults
with substance abuse issues.
Dr. Emlet co-authored In Home
Assessment of Older Adults: An
Interdisciplinary Approach, (1996,
Aspen Publications). The second edition
of the book is expected to be available
by January 2002.
For more information about the courses
offered by Professors Emlet and Tashiro,
contact them at:
caemlet@u.washington.edu
ctashiro@u.washington.edu
CPG Grads Form Universal Design Firm
Two CPG graduates, Judy Moulinet and Meryl Abramson,
have teamed together to form Inclusive Design, Inc. The firm
is oriented toward helping people remain at home for as long
as possible through the use of good home design. Universal
design (UD) allows older adults to retain their independence
longer, enabling them to truly ‘age in place.’
Meryl and Judy met in the Certificate’s Saturday seminar
series and became reacquainted at the Networking Group,
created to maintain connections between graduates, current
enrollees, and other people interested in the program. They
found that housing was an interest for both of them and
accessibility issues provided the challenge that created the jobs
they both currently did. They both feel excited about what can
be done for people of all ages, but particularly elders.
Universal design concepts were introduced in the CPG core
course, Psychology of Aging and in the elective class,
Functional Aspects of Aging. Students quickly learn that good
design enables and bad design disables. For example, poor
signage can confuse anyone, regardless of education or
intelligence. A long flight of steps is equally disabling to a
young child, someone carrying a suitcase, or an elder with
mobility issues.
In a recent interview with Alison S. Beck, our newsletter editor, Judy
and Meryl gave us their perspectives on these issues:
What were you looking for when you entered the Certificate
Program in Gerontology?
Judy: “I wanted to ensure that I was exposed to the most
current thinking in the field of gerontology. That expectation
was met and my business has benefited from the education
provided. During the program both of my parents died. Prior
to their death I managed their care long distance. I had not
come expecting that the coursework would provide personal
assistance, but like many others who have entered the
program, I took home skills, abilities, and understanding that
got me through that difficult time.”
Meryl: “I had worked with seniors in three different care
settings, and I needed an academic understanding of aging
issues. I knew I wanted to work in the field, but wasn’t sure
where that would be. The UW program offered a short, intense
introduction to the subject and the field. In spite of working
full time and raising a family, it was do-able.”
Any other thoughts?
Meryl: “Judy and I are both very interested in advocacy and
public policy, especially on behalf of seniors (of course!). I
serve on the board of several non-profits that program for or
assist the aged. Housing is almost always a problem. Options
and choices befuddle elders and their families. If we can
advocate for universal design to be built into new housing
stock, especially affordable housing, many of these issues will
go away. Ideally, as people stay in their own homes longer—
according to AARP, a desire held by most—they will
minimize the burden on the long-term care system. The
financial burden often falls on the family or community when
a person enters an assisted living or nursing home community.
It is hard to put a dollar cost to quality of life, but the cost
savings associated with aging in place are being increasingly
demonstrated.”
Judy: “I truly believe that if Universal Design principles were
incorporated into all new construction, the primary cause of
isolation in aging would disappear, i.e. old and young alike
could visit and be visited wherever they may reside. What
more could we ask of the places that we live than that they be
welcoming to all?”
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multidisciplinary
gerontology education (now by distance learning) 