Hendricks (1995) writes that the study of aging, gerontology, will be an increasing need in America with the changing demographics. The very “social construction of old age” is changing and will impact society and the workplace. Koopman-Boyden and MacDonald (2003) remark that the workplace will be dynamically altered due to the graying of America and that the very definition of successful aging is changing to a more holistic,  wellness model.

      Besides aging, some other areas that must be covered to be comprehensive include:

1-     Understanding the twin evils of prejudice and discrimination along with ethnocentricity.

2-     Understanding one’s own race, ethnicity, and heritage.

3-     Understanding the strong demographic shifts that are changing America.

4-     Understanding the importance of diversity in the workplace and society.

5-     Understanding the damage to productivity of discrimination and prejudice.

6-     Health and disability issues along with the aging mind and capacity.

7-     Respect for people of all sizes and shapes.

8-     Understanding various groups, including but not limited to:

a-      Gender and sexual harassment issues.

b-     Sexual Orientation and safe spaces.

c-      American Indian populations in their many forms and places.

d-     The many diverse groups lumped in the terms Hispanic and Latino and their many diverse customs.

e-      Euro-Americans from many lands and heritages.

f-       African-Americans from their history before and after slavery. Their contributions to the American life.

g-      Asian-Americans and their great variety and variations. Their current immigration status and the “model minority” myth.

h-      Other current immigrant populations with special emphasis on Middle Eastern and Arabic Americans. The study of Islam is critical.

i-        Religion of all types, including institutional, civic, and the pluralistic religious traditions of Americans today.

j-       The social economic impact of ethnicity, race, and class.

k-     The importance of languages: body, written, and spoken.

9-     Legislation, college rules, and ethical guidelines with regard to all forms of diversity.

10-  At least one new cultural learning service or experience during the course.

11-  MOST IMPORTANTLY, the celebration of diversity in all its forms.

      A question from a peer: “Would college students have some prejudices that will keep them from working effectively with older workers?”  Yes they may be involved in ageism. Ageism, like any other form of prejudice, is based on the concept that all people of a certain age range will behave in the same manner. It negates the uniqueness of individuals by "pre-judging" members of artificial categories to be nearly copies of each other. With the demographic shifts also impacting economic lives and depending upon the outcome of changes in public policy, ageism may become a greater factor this century. Already there are younger groups calling for the immediate abolition of Social Security. Nick-named “Age Wars,” intergenerational inequality may be the  most divisive issue of the century.