Ageing In the 21st Century
Course Code: 3VOL1420
University Level: Three (20 Credits)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of levels 1 & 2.
Delivery Method: Distance learning, paper and/or online
Start Date: 15 March 2010 (existing students only)
Course Duration: 1 Term
Course Fees: 20 credits - see the finance page for more information.
Further Study: Optional part of the Degree in Voluntary Sector Studies
Course Description:
This course considers the different aspects of growing older. It revisits previously held views about the nature and experience of ageing. Retirement and welfare, traditionally seen as 'good things', are now being challenged for the role they play in the discrimination against older people.
In the past, a 'structured dependency' of older people resulted from forced retirement, poverty, and the policies and practices that leave them reliant and socially isolated. Ageing is now seen as more complex and this module explores the diverse of experiences of growing older, and the ways in which older people can retain their independence, even when substantially disabled or very frail.
Increasingly it is being recognised that insufficient income and inappropriate environments, frequently disable older people. The module explores how new forms of housing, health interventions and social care, help to prevent dependency and encourage the social inclusion of older people.
The first Unit explores the impact of age discrimination, with particular reference to health and social services. It goes on to examine many aspects of ageism: i.e. structural, cultural and personal and the experience of ageism, based on gender, race and sexuality.
The second Unit explores issues around empowerment. It looks at older people's involvement in shaping policy and practice and their wider contribution to society. It explores what meaning the social model of disability has for older people and reviews good practice in 'working with' rather than 'doing unto' older people.
The third Unit, goes on to challenge the medicalisation of old age and the over emphasis on biological ageing as the main determinant of health. It critically analyses the impact this view has had on the way health and care services have been delivered. The new health, housing and social care agendas, are examined to see how they challenge ageist practices and contribute to the inclusion of older people and their carers.
The course ends by taking up the challenge of 'frail older age' and the provision of care for people who may be very frail mentally, physically or both. Society's dread of this life stage has led to ageist attitudes and practices that can depersonalise and infantilise people. This module asks why; goes on to examine quality of life issues and the role of institutional care in meeting the needs of older people, and concludes by examining the new culture of person-centred work with people who have dementia.
New to study?
Consider our introductory course, The Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers