BA in Sociology - Health, Medicine and Aging in Cleveland United States | Case Western Reserve University

Sociology undergraduates gain unique access to specialized training in health, medicine, and aging—a field where our doctoral program has earned global recognition. Our faculty investigate diverse aspects of aging, healthcare, and wellness, tackling critical inquiries like: How does social behavior interact with health outcomes? What roles do race, socioeconomic status, and gender play in health disparities and illness adaptation? How do societal perceptions shape our understanding of disability and disease? What pathways lead individuals into medical professions? Our curriculum and research bridge health and aging, examining phenomena like demographic shifts toward older populations and their societal implications. We explore concepts like "successful aging," the interplay between environmental/cultural factors and aging processes, and optimal family caregiving strategies for elderly or ill relatives.
These represent just a sampling of vital issues examined by sociologists focusing on age and health. Modern society urgently requires both researchers and healthcare professionals to support vulnerable populations facing age-related and health challenges. Our course offerings analyze the multifaceted determinants of wellbeing in later life, particularly within evolving healthcare frameworks. Importantly, aging studies extend beyond elderly populations—they reveal how shifting family dynamics, educational systems, workplaces, and recreational patterns affect all age groups, ultimately shaping individual aging trajectories. Translating these insights for policymakers and practitioners remains an essential societal priority.