Political Engagement Snapshot:

Occupational Performance and Evaluation in Geriatrics

by Janet M. Lisak

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy


What is the focus of your investigation?

Two assignments in this course ask students to focus on political engagement in the issues specifically concerning older adults.


Professor Lisak
Professor Lisak

What resources / references have you found helpful?

Contact Professor Lisak by email.


What are the two assignments?

Debate Assignment: This is a group assignment. Students debate current issues relevant to the older population. Topics include: Lowering the cost of prescription medications; how will the poor elderly cope if social security fails; Ageism in the workplace; who should pay for the extended health care needs of the elderly; when are you too old to drive, etc.

Topical Issue Assignment: Students are to identify an age related issue facing their community. They are to contact a local, state or federal representative for their community to discuss the issue, the options to resolve the issue, and to advocate for the elderly in their community.


What results have emerged?

Both assignments have been quite successful and have generated good and lively class discussions.

A few students, after working on the topical issue assignment, tell me they make a point of attending town meetings as often as they can in order to be more informed about what their local government and politicians are doing.


Learn more about the Occupational Therapy program at Stockton:

Program Description

Program Curriculum

Professor Lisak





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