The University of Florida Geriatric Education Center is commissioned through its grant from Health & Human Services, Bureau of Health Professions, to produce educational programs in geriatrics.

Prior to 2000, the UF-GECs primary programs were aimed at health professionals in most disciplines, including medicine, physician assistant, nursing, social work, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology, and Physical/Occupational/Recreation Therapy. For each year of the three-year grant, ended in 2000, an audiotape/homestudy program was produced, comprised of six audiotapes, each containing three lectures on a related health topic, as well as related supplemental materials. The program was then modified and published online in order to accommodate those participants outside the North Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC) accreditation area. The resulting programs, Health Management for Older Adults I, II and III, can be accessed directly through the link below to our continuing education page. Caring for the Older Adult I, II, III and IV the first four in a series of five audiotape/online programs for the years 2001-2005.

In 2000, we began the first year of a five-year grant, adding to our mission the education of minority and disadvantaged high school students enrolled in health professions classes. To achieve that goal, we chose as our vehicle "Kids into Health Careers," working with the four North Florida AHECs each year to produce a fresh, exciting program to stimulate the students' interest in geriatrics while entertaining them. Our video, "The Nursing Home Visit" released in spring 2001, will be followed by another video in 2002, two interactive CDs, and the annual playing of Gerontopoly (a unique board game that teaches about aging) with students attending the two-week Summer Institute at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

Caring for the Older Adult IV -- Published on CD November, 2004; 6-module program, with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult III -- Published July, 2003; 6-tape program, binder with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult II -- Published July, 2002; 6-tape program, binder with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult I -- Published in Late Summer, 2001; 6-tape program, binder with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Health Management for Older Adults I, II, III -- Published in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively; 6-tape (5 tapes for 1998) program, binder with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult IV -- Published on internet November, 2004; 6-module program, with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult III -- Published on internet November, 2003; 6-module program, with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation.

Caring for the Older Adult II -- Published on internet July, 2002; 6-module program, with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation. Automatic issuance of certificate upon successful completion of posttest and evaluation for each module.

Caring for the Older Adult I -- Published on internet Fall 2001; 6-module program, with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation. Automatic issuance of certificate upon successful completion of posttest and evaluation for each module.

Health Management for Older Adults I, II, III -- Published on internet in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively; 6-module program (5-module for 1998), with supplemental material, posttest and evaluation. Automatic issuance of certificate upon successful completion of posttest and evaluation each module

Aggression and Abuse in the Nursing Home: Residents and Staff as Victims & Perpetrators -- One-hour 1999 program produced in conjunction with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).

Sorry, all Gerontology games are sold out and will not be reordered.
Thank you for enjoying the game so much!

A unique board game, developed and produced in 1991 by Rodger Isreal and the UF-GEC. While teaching about aging, the game offers players an opportunity to "feel" what it is like to grow old, develop chronic illnesses, lose their driving licenses, lose loved ones and not have sufficient finances to live.

In 2001 we began hosting a session with the University of Florida/Shands Health Care Summer Institute, a two-week program for approximately 25 high school students who are enrolled in health professions classes. During that session, the students play Gerontopoly for about 1 1/2 hours as a way to introduce them to geriatrics and to get a "feel" for aging. The students always have a great time playing and express disappointment when it's time to stop. Photos and list of attendees of 2005's session can be viewed here or

view photos from our 2004 session here

view photos from our 2003 session here.

view photos from our 2002 session here.

Also in 2002, the Big Bend AHEC in Tallahassee, FL was granted special permission to create a "3-D" version of Gerontopoly. They played their first game in June on June 26 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) gym on June 26 . The students, from local high schools in Leon and surrounding rural counties,were participating in the School of Allied Health's Summer Institute to prepare them for medical careers. The session began with a discussion of the most common images of elders which reflect our cultural prejudices about older people. They all knew what gerontology was and had an excellent time. Having lots of props helped tremendously. For example, when the cards said the person had to buy groceries, they were given plastic fruit to carry while they played. When they had to buy hearing aids, cotton balls were put in their ears. For glasses either "crazy" glasses from the novelty store or petroleum jelly (or thick lotion) on a pair of glasses mimics cataracts or fading vision. Other great props can include walkers or wheelchairs. The baby dolls for the birth of a grandchild were a big hit - especially with the boys!!! Photos from the game can be viewed here.

-- Released in spring 2001, "The Nursing Home Visit" is a dramatic video that deals with the three main objections high school students voice about their required visit to a nursing home: The smell; "They're boring -- they don't know what it's like to be young"; and "They're so mean." "The Nursing Home Visit has received both the Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards 2001 and National Finalist, The Vision Awards 2001.

 

This interactive CD was released in July, 2003 and features the original rap song,(Click here to listen!). The CD, designed for minority high school students enrolled in health professions courses, is comprised of informational videos, quizzes, games and plenty of great music! Andree Aubrey, Director of the Big Bend AHEC in Tallahassee, FL, incorporated the CD in their "Fit for Summer" summer camp for middle and high school students and reported that the kids loved it and memorized the words to the rap!

Planned for 2005, this interactive CD also will feature music, movies, and animation to allow students to "get to know" a number of older adults.