Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Individuals' reactions to growing older are often embedded in their cultural traditions and social experiences. Hence responses to ageing are shaped to some extent by expectations about being old as well as chronological age. Unfortunately, older people are sometimes confronted with negative stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination - all forms of ageism - that can be perpetuated in health service planning and provision. A common perception is that older people end their lives in nursing homes; despite data that demonstrate that more than ninety per cent of older people lead independent lives within the community. Now, more than ever, health professionals need to be conversant with the impact of the ageing population and attitudes to ageing on health service provision, and the existing and potential government and community initiatives required to ensure positive and healthy ageing in the place of the older person's choosing.

Aims

This unit examines policy and practice issues related to the pursuit of healthy ageing in the community aged care context.

Objectives

This unit enables you to:

1. Compare and contrast global demographics in relation to ageing;

2. Critically discuss major theories of ageing;

3. Explore common myths associated with ageing and strategies to counter negative perceptions of older people;

4. Critically review health care policies, action strategies and models of care which support healthy ageing;

5. Analyse the impact of an ageing population on the provision of services and the ability of the individual and/or family to maintain healthy and positive ageing; and

6. Discuss the significance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services for older people.

Content

The content of this unit is organised across a number of modules that address positive and healthy ageing concepts. These include: the demography of ageing and associated epidemiology; major theories of ageing; the challenges of ageism; health promotion frameworks and healthy ageing policy directions; changes related to ageing such as retirement and housing, organisation of services and community options, and the needs of specific, high risk groups.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Various teaching and learning approaches are used in this unit to encourage a broad understanding of positive and healthy ageing issues. These could include the On-line Learning and Teaching System for selected lectures; inter-active tutorials; and access to government reports and contemporary research literature. You are advised to work through each module contained in the Study Guide following the suggested study plan. Each module provides a discussion of content, suggested readings and associated student directed learning activities.

Assessment

All assessable items must be completed to gain a pass in this unit.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. A structured approach to formative and summative assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress.

Assessment name: Critical Analysis (1)
Description: In this assessment item you will explore the concept of 'healthy ageing' and critique the obstacles to its implementation. 3,000-3,500 words.
Relates to objectives: 1-6.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Critical Analysis (2)
Description: In this assessment item you will explore issues related to the pursuit of healthy ageing and examine how individuals, communities and policy makers can work together to provide appropriate and reliable programs and sources of support for older people in society as suggested by the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Framework. 3,000 - 3,500 words.
Relates to objectives: 3-6.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No prescribed textbook covers the diversity of reading material required for this unit of study. Therefore each module in your study guide contains selected readings and associated activities. Most of the references are provided in your Course materials Database (CMD) or as website links. Further references are provided at the end of each module to encourage wider reading.

The following books may also assist in broadening your knowledge and perspectives of ageing:

Minichiello, V., & Coulson, I. (2005). Contemporary issues in gerontology: Promoting positive ageing. Allen & Unwin.

Nay, R., & Garratt, S. (2009). Nursing older people: Issues and innovations (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer-Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Jul-2012