module specification

This module is core for district nursing students and is open to health, social work and other students with an interest in the health and social care of older people. The module explores a range of health and psych-social perspectives in relation to ageing in today's society. Attention is paid to the individual experience and assumptions about older people with regard to current policy and rights through themes - eg the user's voice, values and choices with regard models of caring, hazards and key health concerns.

To appreciate ageing as a multidisciplinary field and recognise different perspectives, descriptions and explanations concerning being old in today's society.

To develop a positive attitude towards health promotion for the elderly

To provide students with the opportunity to design, conduct, write up and critically evaluate interviews with older persons.

To adopt an holistic approach to the health of the elderly and to understand how current legislation and policy affect elderly people

Working with the elderly is an integral component of the work of community nurses, particularly district nurses, mental health nurses and practice nurses. It is also relevant for other health and social care professionals e.g. social workers. The syllabus will cover relevant theory, policy, practice and ethical issues, including focused research issues in relation to the assessment - informed consent, interviewing, transcription, data sources and analysis. Definitions of old age will be explored along with the social and cultural contexts. The module will recognise the multidisciplinary context of ageing and encompass the biological, psychological, social gerontological, political and sociological perspectives. Predicted demographic trends suggest that health promotion and meeting the health needs of the elderly are and will continue to be a growing necessity and priority for health and social car professionals.

Interactive workshops based on problem solving live issues, case studies, critical incidents, role play and small group work, video and formal lectures, personal reflection.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Analyse and evaluate the implications of demographic changes and current research to health
and social needs and provision

2. Critically analyse the choices and options available to elderly people regarding where and how
they live and evaluate some of the constraints they experience.

3. Demonstrate a critical approach to methodological and research issues in relation to older
people.

4. Analyse and evaluate current legislation and policy issues affecting elderly people.

At post graduate level the assessment is designed to test the students ability to accurately assess and report on their work and that of others with justifications and can add to them appropriately.

Formative assessments will be included throughout eg role play.
This will help them build the skills required for a germane analysis.

šConduct and transcribe interviews with at least 2 elderly people with and write a 750 words commentary justifying the methodology. (15%) (LO3)

šWrite a report 3,500 words which critically analyses and evaluates the interviews conducted by the student (85%) (LO 1,2, 4)

Binstock, R.H. & George, L.K. (1996). Handbook of Ageing & the Social Sciences. Academic Press.

Bond, J and Coleman, P. (1996). Ageing in Society. Sage.

Fennell, G., Phillipson, C. and Evers, H. (1988). The sociology of old age. Open University Press.

Harris, D.K. (1990). Sociology of ageing, Harper and Row.

Jeffreys, M. (1989). Growing old in the twentieth century . Routledge.

Johnson, J. and Slater, R. (1993) Ageing and later life. Sage

Patton M Q 2000 Practical Evaluation Sage London

Phillipson, C. (1998). Re-constructing old age. Sage

Squires, A. (1991). Multicultural health care and rehabilitation of older people. Edward Arnold.

Victor, C. R. (1991). Health and health care in late life. Open University Press.

Victor, C. R. (1994). Old age in modern society. Chapman Hall.