UTSA prepares students to care for growing population of older adults

The program features courses on the intersection of social inequalities and population health, aging as a social process, our failing health care system, and careers in the health and social service professions.

Since its introduction in 2022, the program has more than tripled in size, reflecting the number of students wishing to take advantage of this unique program.

"The Health, Aging and Society program's interdisciplinary approach allows students to fully investigate how social factors influence health and illness in society," said Ginny Garcia-Alexander, associate professor of sociology. "In addition to training on the social and cultural dimensions of health and aging, students are trained in health administration and research methods. This dynamic program paves the way for students to help address the nation's challenges in aging, health care and health inequities."

The World Health Association outlines five social determinants of health (SDOH), which become even more critical as we age: economic stability, social and community context, education access and quality, health care access and quality, and neighborhood and built environment.

An aging population means a higher use of health care services, a greater need for professional caregivers and puts more of a focus on taking the whole-lifespan approach to healthy aging, using the SDOH as a guideline.

"While the aging population presents challenges to the economy, infrastructure, and institutions, it also opens up significant job opportunities," said Zhiyong Lin, assistant professor in UTSA's sociology and demography department. "Pursuing a major in health, aging and society provides students with the knowledge and expertise to tackle these challenges. It is an ideal time to enter this dynamic and rewarding program to be at the forefront of meeting the needs of our aging society."