Debate

Students will vote on a controversial topic in aging epidemiology to debate in class (vote to occur February 8). They will then be randomly assigned to debate one side of the topic. Each group will describe its position in a 15-minute presentation (that includes references), after which the opposing group will have five minutes for critique. The presenting group will then get five more minutes to rebut the critique. After both groups have presented and been critiqued, each will have the opportunity to deliver a five-minute closing argument. All individuals participating in the debate should be active in the presentation and/or rebuttal.

Example debate topics:

• Should individuals over the age of 65 with high cholesterol be treated with statins differently from younger individuals with high cholesterol?
  
• Should men over the age of 65 be screened for osteoporosis?
  
• Does lifestyle or genetics play a larger role in longevity?