Critical Appraisal of the Aging Process
6 Credits (ECTS)
Critical Appraisal of the Aging Process
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€543 refund on this module
Module Description
This module aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ageing process, exploring the diverse factors contributing to physical decline as individuals grow older.
Learners will delve into the physiological, psychological, and environmental aspects of ageing, gaining insight into age-related changes and their implications.
Additionally, the module will examine common pathological conditions associated with ageing, equipping learners with the knowledge to recognize, assess, and manage health challenges in elderly populations.
From chronic diseases to neurodegenerative disorders, learners will explore a range of age-related pathologies and the corresponding care and treatment options available.
Furthermore, the module will emphasize the importance of promoting healthy ageing and examine the role of learners in this endeavor.
Through critical reflection and interactive discussions, learners will explore societal attitudes, policies, and practices related to ageing, considering the broader social determinants of health and well-being in older adults.
By fostering a holistic understanding of ageing and encouraging learners to evaluate their own contributions, the module aims to empower learners to advocate for healthy ageing practices and contribute to the provision of quality care for elderly individuals within their communities.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a Level 6 degree in a related field;
OR
- a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related elderly care and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the sector.
Target Audience
The target group covers, but is not limited to:
- Care Home Managers and Directors
- Personnel involved in the administration of care to the elderly
- Educators
- Welfare Officers
- Human Resources and Operations Managers involved in the administration of care for the elderly
- Middle Management (such as. senior care workers etc.)
- Personnel involved in family counselling and counselling of the elderly
- Nurses
- Medical Doctors
- Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, dieticians etc.
Career Paths
The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be: Elderly Care Home Managers/Directors, Elderly Home Chief Executive Officers/ Chief Financial Officers/Human Resources Managers.
It is designed to improve the prospect of employment and career progression in areas including, but not limited, to:
- Community/social services agencies for the elderly;
- Religious organisations which provide care for the elderly;
- Healthcare and long-term care agencies and institutions (state and private).
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Dissertation Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Additional Info
Upon successfully completing the course, you will be able to get 70% of the course fees back through the Get Qualified scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to
- Critically analyse physical changes associated with ageing body systems in context of biological theories of ageing.
- Critically analyse factors that contribute to the physical decline and recommend preventive measures that promote physical well-being.
- Critically evaluate pathological conditions associated with ageing and recommend potential treatment available to help with pathological conditions.
- Critically analyse and evaluate own role in promoting healthy ageing.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
Introduction to Aging Process
- What is ageing
- Major aspects of the process
- Issues related to ageing process: dependence, movement, self- image, care needs
Attitudes towards ageing and the elders in relation to the various changes
- Mobility
- Skin
- Memory
- Body shape
- Hearing and Vision
- Immunity and other ailments affecting the ageing individual.
Major theories of human growth and development
- Erik Erikson theories of emotional development
- Jean Piaget developed theories of cognitive development
- Lawrence Kohlberg theories of moral development
Factors affecting life changes and losses associated with ageing
- Factors promoting and preventing adjustment to life changes.
- The role of professional care giver in helping the older person and family to adjust to life changes
- Mental health issues
Gerontology and geriatrics studies
- Research on aging
- Surveys and research on the needs of the ageing population and implementation of findings to better the services provided to this category of citizens.
Opportunities for growth and learning in old age
- Coping with the changes – organs, senses, body, muscles, activities.
- Aging Communities Initiatives
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Develop innovative programmes for older people.
- Develop collaborative working partnerships with other key services and resources to support older persons.
- Critically analyse ways how others may help the older person to adjust to life changes.
- Be able to discuss mental health issues associated with the older persons.
- Critically analyse and recommend opportunities for growth and learning in old age.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Explore own role as leader advocating well-being of elders.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Communicates ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of techniques involving qualitative and quantitative information to sustain arguments.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Undertake independent and self-directed study through researched literature reviews.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.