Leisure and the Aging Experience; Intrinsically Connected and Experienced Development of an Online Course Integration

Aging is multi-faceted, and individualistic, no two individuals will experience it in the same way. There are, however, some basic concepts that, when understood, can provide an awareness of the varying aspects of aging. In summing up the aging experience, there are notations that refer to the quality of the experience; can it be positive? Is it successful? How about a "Ulyssean" experience? Continuing research indicates that those who age well use leisure choice; habits, and concepts, to facilitate their own optimal aging experience. The graying of the population which comprises over 12 percent of the people in the United States, results in more services being needed to address the wide array of concerns (National Atlas). For students in the social sciences, and the health sciences, this will reflect an increased older clientele requiring age specific considerations. The "millenial student"(Osmond), is learning in a technology focused environment, and will often choose opportunities to learn in that environment. The purpose of this project is to present a course on leisure and aging, that will affirm the relationship between leisure engagement and optimal aging, and deliver it in a method that will engage the online learner