About Us
Topics in Gerontology is a collaborative effort between the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology at The Ohio State University and multiple colleges and departments across the OSU campus. This collaboration brings the many benefits of interprofessional faculty knowledge, teaching, and research directly to you, providing a unique and varied learning experience. In each of the modules, you will have an opportunity to learn about the faculty member(s) who have created the module. The program staff and faculty are committed to bringing the latest state-of-the-art theories and research to you, your family or your practice setting to enhance your life or work in the field of aging.
Our History
The Topics in Gerontology program originally grew out of research conducted at The Ohio State University College of Social Work by Dr. Keith A. Anderson, Andrea M. Cymbal, and Jeffrey J. Maile regarding "informal social supports" in the hairstylist community, titled "Hairstylists' Relationships and Helping Behaviors with Older Adult Clients." This research highlights the broad interdisciplinary nature of aging and was the "tipping point" for the development of Topics in Gerontology as an innovative tool for assisting community providers -- "gatekeepers" who often serve as important links to help older adults age successfully in their homes and their communities (hairstylists, bankers, delivery personnel, and others). Dr. Anderson's research further supports the growing recognition of those providing services in the community often featured by the media and outlined in the Columbus Dispatch article titled, "Keeping Watch: Delivery Workers are Often Rescuers." The community gatekeeper modules are identified as 100 level modules on the Modules home page.
The Topics in Gerontology program subsequently expanded with a collaboration with the OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Administration. The Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology worked closely with extension educators who spearheaded the Aging Smart curriculum development. Extension educators provide community-based educational programs and outreach across Ohio that enhance human capital and promote lifelong learning. The Aging Smart curriculum represents some of the educational programs they have presented in the past that were highly useful to older adults.
All of the modules are categorized by level of instruction, making them appropriate for a wide audience of students -- older adults, caregivers, educators, administrators, direct care staff in long-term care and health care, social services providers, policymakers, clinicians, and the community gatekeepers who have interactions with older adults as they provide community-based services.
Meet The Program Staff
Jennifer Bechtel
Program Manager, Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
210D Hamilton Hall
1645 Neil Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
E-mail: aging@osu.edu
Phone: 614-293-4815 (Main)