Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Adult Age and Old Age
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Students can see the teacher after class or at other times with a prior appointment.
Introduction
This subject Adulthood and Old age aims to give students knowledge of the process of human development. A full review of the changes in different biopsychosocial dimensions that make up this period in a person’s life will be given, from adulthood through to old age. The subject matter will include different models and theories about the development and we will look at the vital and psychosocial changes that take place in this process.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
1. To acquire basic knowledge of the development of adults and the elderly in their respective stages of life.
2. To give the student an insight into models of development and the theories of ageing.
3. To learn about the biological changes that take place as a part of ageing.
4. To learn about the most significant changes and psychosocial aspects of adulthood and old age.
5. To acquire knowledge about illness and end-of-life care.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) in order to issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - Students must be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- CE14 - The ability to recognise the basis of normal and altered human behaviour.
- CG10 - Sensitivity to the needs and expectations of others.
- CT05 - The ability to reason and assess situations and results from a critical, constructive point of view.
- CT06 - The ability to develop interpersonal skills
Learning outcomes of the subject
When students have completed this course, they should be able to:
a) Recognise and differentiate between the characteristics that define the stages of adulthood and old age.
b) Identify the different psychosocial models and theories of ageing.
c) Identify the different biological theories of ageing.
d) Explain the changes and the psychological development that takes place in adulthood.
e) Explain the physiological changes associated with ageing.
f) Recognise and explain the main psychosocial aspects and problems in adulthood.
g) Recognise and explain the main psychosocial aspects and problems in old age.
h) Recognise the main illnesses (both biological and psychological) that can arise in old age.
i) Describe the main features of end of life care.
j) Recognise the impact of death and grief on individuals and their families.
Syllabus
Topic 1. Conceptualisation of adulthood and old age
1.1. Psychology and the challenges of ageing.
1.2. The life cycle: development in adulthood and old age as evolutionary stages
1.2.1. Psychology of the life cycle
1.2.2. Ageing as a part of life
1.3. Different patterns of ageing
1.4. Theories of ageing
1.4.1. Biological theories of ageing
1.4.2. Sociological theories of ageing
Topic 2. Context and biological, psychological and social development in adulthood and ageing
2.1. Changes and psychological development in adulthood
2.2. Changes during old age
2.3. Biological and physical changes associated with ageing
Topic 3. Psychosocial aspects of adulthood and old age
3.1. Love and establishment of a family
3.2. Family issues: separation, raising children, etc.
3.3. Work and retirement
3.4. The role of the family in ageing: the role of the “grandparent”
3.5. Loss of a partner and loneliness
3.6. Dependence
Topic 4. End of life
4.1. Ageing and illness
4.2. Palliative care and integrated end of life care
4.3. Death
4.4. Grief
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Critical reading
- Individual and at-home study
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
50% Written test
30% Group assignment
20% Participation in class
Students need to achieve at least an average of 5 in the overall assessment in order to pass this subject. If a student fails any of the assessments, they must retake them.
Bibliography and resources
- Schaie, K.W. y Willis, S.L. (2003). Psicología de la edad adulta y la vejez (5ª ed.). Madrid: Pearson-Prentice Hall
- Bengtson, V. L., & Settersten Jr, R. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of theories of aging. Springer Publishing Company.
- Berger, K.S. (2009). Psicología del desarrollo: adultez y vejez. (7ª ed.). Madrid: Médica Panamericana.
- Fernández Ballesteros, R. (2014). Psicología de la Vejez: Una psicogerontología aplicada. Madrid: Pirámide.
- Martínez Torres, J. (2002). Psicología del envejecimiento. Madrid: Pirámide.
- Millán, J. C. (2006). Principios de Geriatría y Gerontología. Madrid: McGraw-Hill.
Evaluation period
- E1 11/01/2021 A03 12:00h
- E2 16/06/2021 A14 12:00h