This Gerontology course is open to all with general work/life experience. Participants should be in occupational roles sufficient to allow them reflect upon the practical implications of gerontology knowledge and skills. It is a suitable course for those with a significant professional interest in areas such as Health Care and Community Care.

This Gerontology course is designed to provide a broad introduction to the study of ageing for those currently working in or planning to work with older people.  Specifically participants will:

• Acquire an initial understanding of the normal and pathological changes in adulthood. 
• Become more aware of personal and societal attitudes toward old age and older people. 
• Identify relevant legislation, community resources, care programmes and institutions for older people. 
• Understand more fully the issues related to successful ageing. 
• Understand that Gerontology is both a multi and interdisciplinary study of ageing and older people. 

Physiological and Psychological Changes Associated with Old Age  

• Outline the major theories of adult development and ageing discuss various biological theories of ageing. 
• Identify specific physical changes in regard to the following systems: visual; auditory; musculature; cardio-pulmonary; skeletal; etc.  
• Recognise factors that contribute to physical decline. 
• Identify factors that promote physical well-being. 
• Understand a range of normal and pathological conditions associated with old age to include: osteoporosis; dementias, incontinence; night blindness; hyper and hypo-tension; heart disease; etc. 
• Describe common age-related psychological changes. 
• Discuss a range of mental health issues associated with old age.  

Western Society’s Response to Old Age  

• Describe the demographic changes influencing perceptions of old age. 
• Research the historical views of older people in irish culture as seen in myths, songs and writings. 
• Rationalise the Irish/EU definition of old age. 
• Contrast the traditional views and emerging ideas of old age in Irish culture. 
• Describe how stereotypes surrounding old age are developed and perpetuated. 
• Uncover one’s own bias and/or attitudes toward older people and ageing. 
• Describe the sociological aspects of ageing to include: role transition; family life; spirituality; employment. 
• Explore the issues associated with an ageing society to include: economics; governmental policy; housing; healthcare. 

Legislation and Organisations in Support of Older People  

• Identify the range of legal entitlements available to older Irish citizens. 
• Identify a selection of governmental departments and the services they offer to older people.  
• Create a list of local and national organisations that provide services to, or work on behalf of older people. 
• List a range of professionals and the services they might provide to older people and/or their families. 
• Explore how long-term care establishments can better meet the needs of clients and their families. 
• Illustrate the difficulties of introducing change to care facilities. 
• Discuss alternatives to long-term institutional care.  
• Outline a range of innovative programmes from around the globe and how they respond to common age-related problems. 

Successful Ageing  

• Recognise that ageing is a life- long process. 
• Demonstrate that for most people ageing is a stage of growth, discovery and opportunity.  
• Outline common response to changes/transitions in life. 
• Identify the skills that enhance one’s ability to cope with change. 
• Describe how you might prepare yourself to adjust to age-related changes. 
• Discuss the importance of cultivating loving relationships throughout life.  
• Discuss the importance of maintaining emotional supports as one ages.  
• Describe the seven stages of healthy adult development to secure a successful old age. 
• Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms to address death and dying.

A combination of appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course.  

• Project 60% 
• Learning Record 40% 

Participants will gain a FETAC credit in Gerontology at FETAC Level 6.  It is a mandatory module for the Advanced Certificate in Community Care.