Introduction to Gerontology (6cr)

Evaluation scale

1-5

Objective

Students learn to analyse and interpret old age and ageing with help of multidisciplinary gerontological theories. They learn to examine old age as a societal, social and cultural phenomenon. Students can explain ageing as a process of adaptation and development. They use the experiential knowledge conveyed by research and literature to increase their understanding of old age. Students are able to promote aged people's health and ability to function. They are aware of the meaning of the environment, physical exercise and nutrition. Students apply gerontological knowledge in practical elderly care and its development and in their professional growth.

Content

- gerontology as a science, gerontological research
- ageing of the population and its effects on society
- ageing as an experiential, societal, cultural and social phenomenon
- aged people's health and ability to function, factors that affect them
- aged people's nutrition
- physical, psychological and social ageing
- the interaction between the individual and the environment during ageing
- the meaning of mobility and physical exercise in the ageing process

Materials

- Heikkinen, E., Jyrkämä, J.& Rantanen T. (eds.) 2013. Gerontologia. 3. uudistettu painos. Helsinki: Duodecim.
- Current scientific journals and research articles
- Current bachelor?s, master?s and doctoral thesis
- Current literature produced to implement the research findings

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussions, independent assignments, seminar, exam

Employer connections

The course does not include practice.

Student workload

159 hours. The amount of independent study and group work will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students analyse old age and ageing with help of gerontological theories and models. They recognise ageing as a process shaped by adaptation, development and individual experiences. Students know how to apply gerontological knowledge in their studies and in elderly care.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students analyse old age and ageing with help of multidisciplinary gerontological theories and models. They can explain ageing as a process shaped by adaptation, development and individual experiences. Students know how to apply gerontological knowledge in their studies and in elderly care and its development.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students analyse and interpret old age and ageing with help of multidisciplinary gerontological theories and models from the perspectives of the individual, culture and society. They can explain ageing as a process shaped by adaptation, development and individual experiences. Students know how to apply gerontological knowledge in their studies and in elderly care and its development.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.