Embracing Age-Inclusivity Through Multimodal, Active Student Learning in a Health and Aging Policy Course

One of the goals for an upper-level undergraduate seminar course is for students to identify and discuss existing policies, programs, and resources for meeting the needs of the aging population. To encourage active student learning, the course provides a mix of readings and assignments, six intergenerational discussions, and reflective writing. The idea is that these varying experiences help foster a deep understanding of how these policies and related issues pertain and matter to everyone, not only older individuals, and how their future career and family experiences will benefit from the knowledge gained in the course regardless of their next career steps. This course model has been effective for challenging ageism, and has been taught four times, each time with modifications based on student numbers, current issues, and the pandemic. The presenter will discuss assessment methods, identify best practices, and offer suggestions for others interested in utilizing a similar model.