Diploma in Applied Gerontology

BM 01: Introduction to Applied Gerontology

Period

Every Saturday from 14 April to 19 May 2007

Aim of the module

The module introduces core concepts and theories from a multidisciplinary perspective. It enables students to understand the dynamic interplay of knowledge, skills and values in effective professional practice in the health care, social work and social care fields.  It identifies issues on the growth of the aging population, the needs of an ageing population, theories of ageing, social policy and services for older people.

Learning Objectives

The course is designed to facilitate students to understand:

1. The concept of human aging and maturation;

2. Normal age-related changes and differentiate between normal and abnormal aging processes;

3. Some general knowledge about the cultural, demographic, social, psychological and economic status of the elderly in Hong Kong and overseas;

4. Some current policy issues related to the development and delivery of services for the older people; and

5. Cultivate an appropriate value orientation and identify the functional roles essential for professional practice in a multi-disciplinary team

Course Content

The course is designed to facilitate students to understand:

1. the concept of human aging and maturation

2. normal age-related changes and differentiate between normal and abnormal aging processes

3. some general knowledge about the cultural, demographic, social, psychological and economic status of the elderly in Hong Kong and overseas

4. some current policy issues related to the development and delivery of services for the older people

5. cultivate an appropriate value orientation and identify the functional roles essential for professional practice in a multi-disciplinary team

This module consists of 6 sessions and each session will last for 3 hours, to be held on Saturday afternoons.  The content of this module cover the following areas:

1. The demography of aging

2. Social consequences of ageing

3. Psychosocial theories of aging

4. Retirement and financial security in old age

5. Productive Ageing

6. Services for older people

7. Social policies for older people

8. Ageism, stereotyping and elder abuse

9. Ageing and sex

10. Personal and professional issues in working with older people

Teaching and learning methods

Classroom teaching, case scenarios, video-shows and group discussions.

Medium of instruction

The classes will be taught in Cantonese and supplemented with English. All teaching notes will be in English.

Class size

Each class will comprise of 30 participants.

Class times and venue

All classes will be on Saturdays, 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Hong Kong Institute of Gerontology (1/F, HKSR Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin, Kowloon).

Lecturer

Prof. Lee Jik-joen

Associate Professor

Department of Social Work

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Assessment

• 20 % to be awarded for class attendance.

• 30 % to be awarded for term paper

• 50 % to be awarded for an examination (multiple choice questions) to be held two weeks after the class teaching is over.

• Participants must have 80% attendance to be eligible for the assessment.

 CNE/CPD/CPE accreditation

• Upon successful completion of 3 basic modules, the Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology will be awarded by the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology.

• Additionally, this module is accredited by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Physiotherapist Association and Hong Kong Occupational Therapist Association. CNE / CPD / CPE points will be awarded by the above professional associations.