Health of an Aging Society

Life expectancy has almost doubled over the course of the past 100 years, and it is projected that by 2050, every fifth person on the planet will be over 60 years old. The Certificate in Health of an Aging Society will prepare graduates for leadership positions in the countless government agencies, research institutions, and other organizations that will address the concerns and needs relating to this growing elderly population and develop strategies that bring the benefits of an aging society to everyone.

Meeting the needs of our aging society is one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century. Strong public health leadership will be crucial to map the societal implications of aging, structure effective public health policies and programs to address the well-being and welfare of aging populations, and ensure that our collective future will benefit from the longevity we each hope to enjoy.

This Certificate will offer graduates an ecological approach to aging and comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives on aging in societies. As an aging society is often framed as a negative problem, the curriculum will consider ways to frame a rights-oriented perspective to policies and programs for older persons.

Admissions Eligibility

Health of an Aging Society is open to Columbia MPH students in:

Environmental Health Sciences
Epidemiology
Health Policy and Management
Population and Family Health
Sociomedical Sciences

Prospective students should be aware that the School offers the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women (JFEW) Scholarship in Aging and Public Health. One applicant is selected annually to receive full tuition, student fees and books for two years. Visit the Financial Aid site for more information.