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Course syllabus - International Perspectives on Growing Old

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

VAE136

Valid from

Spring semester 2017

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1N (First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements).

Main area(s)

School

School of Health, Care and Social Welfare

Ratified

2016-06-15

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2016-12-21
    • Latest update: 2016-12-28

    Web Addresses

    Hall, S; Petkova, H; Tsouros, D. A; Costantini, M; Higginson, J. I. (Eds)

    Palliative Care for Older People: Better practices

    Copenhagen: WHO Regional office for Europe, 2011

    URL: Link

    United Nations

    World Population Aging: 1950-2050

    Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2002

    URL: Link

    Articles

    Agronin, M.E.

    From Cicero to Cohen: Developmental Theories of Aging, From Antiquity to the Present

    The Gerontologist, 2014, 54(1), 30-39,

    URL: Link

    Carlander, I., Ternestedt, B-M., Sahlberg-Blom, E., Hellström, I. & Sandberg, J.

    Four aspects of self-image close to death at home

    International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. 6(2), 1-14, 2011

    URL: Link

    Chrisler, J.C., Barney, A. & Palatino, B.

    Ageism can be hazardous to women’s health: Ageism, sexism, and stereotypes of older women in the healthcare system

    Journal of Social Issues, 72 (1), 86- 104, 2016

    URL: Link

    Cloyes, K.

    Seeing Silver in the Spectrum: LGBT Older Adult Health, Aging, and Gerontological Nursing Research

    Research in Gerontological Nursing, 9(2), 54-57, 2016

    URL: Link

    Cohen, Gene D.

    The mature mind : the positive power of the aging brain

    New York : Basic Books, cop. 2005 - xxiii, 232 s.

    ISBN: 9780465012039 (inb.) LIBRIS-ID: 11320466

    URL: Link

    Chapter 2. Harnessing Developmental Intelligence. (pp 29-49). Available as eBook thorough the library at MDH

    Cohen, G. & Taylor, S.

    Reminiscence and ageing

    Ageing and Society, 18(5), 601–610, 1998

    URL: Link

    Manasatchakun, P., Chotiga, P., Hochwälder, J., Roxberg, Å., Sandborgh, M. & Asp, M.

    Factors Associated with Healthy Aging among Older Persons in Northeastern Thailand

    Journal of Cross-Cul- tural Gerontology. Published with open access, 2016

    URL: Link

    Sabbath, E.L., Matz-Costa, C., Rowe, J., Leclerc, A., Zins, M., Goldberg, M.; & Berkman, L. F.

    Social Predictors of Active Life Engagement: A Time-Use Study of Young-Old French Adults

    Research on Aging, 38(8) 864–893, 2016

    URL: Link

Objectives

The aim of the course is that the student will acquire basic knowledge of gerontology and of how demographic changes affect individuals and societies in different parts of the world. Further, the student will acquire knowledge of aging and the consequences of aging regarding people’s lives and living conditions in an international perspective

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall, from an international perspective, be able to:
1 describe and explain aging as a transition as well as the consequences of aging from a biological, psychological, social, economic and societal perspective
2 discuss resources in relation to elderly people
3 describe demographic changes regarding aging and cultural diversity in relation to developments in society
4 reflect on and discuss the development of gerontological theory and research
5 reflect on and discuss attitudes and values towards aging, life and death in relation to individuals and society 

Course content

Aging as a transition
The consequences of aging from a biological, psychological, social, economic and societal perspective
International perspectives on aging and elderly people as a resource
Global aging in a demographic and cultural perspective
Gerontological theories and their development
Relevant and current research concerning the elderly
Personal and cultural attitudes and values regarding aging, life and death
Societal attitudes and values regarding aging in an international perspective
Care in the final stages of life from an international perspective
National and international guidelines in relation to aging

Tuition

Teaching consists of lectures, field studies, individual studies of the literature, seminars and group work. 

Requirements

General entry requirements

Examination

PRO1, Project 3.5 credits. Written report regarding learning objectives 1-5. Marks Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Credit (VG).
TEN1, Written examination 4 credits. Individual written examination on learning objectives 1-5. Marks Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Credit (VG).

To receive a Pass with Credit on the course, a VG on both PRO1 and TEN1 is required. For further details, please refer to the Study Guide.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail