Gerontology and Health

N/A

The learning process articulates active methods of theoretical and practical classes and interactive problem-centered, with emphasis on critical reflection of the program’s themes. Through:
– Expository method: in order to support elementary, new and complex theoretical concepts that require a formative approach;
– Critical analysis and active discussion of articles and / or scientific texts;
– Case studies of exposure to interactive and collaborative teaching technique that develops in the student the capacity for critical reflection and self-reflection, interaction and creativity.
Continuous assessment will consist of two stages of evaluation: a written work (50%) and an oral presentation (50%).

Recognize the emergence of gerontology as a scientific area of intervention.
Acquire and integrate basic and necessary knowledge for an overall understanding of the process of human aging;
Understand old age as a period of personal, social and family development opportunity;
Develop an attitude and capacity for critical reflection due to stereotypes around the old age, and about the challenges faced by aging societies.
Understand the services, systems and social policies for the elderly.
Understanding the models of aging and quality of life in old age.
Recognize services, systems and social policies and social protection in gerontology and develop skills in the preparation of healthy aging programs.
Understand the contextual factors (personal and environmental) determinants on the health of the elderly and the main geriatric syndromes, medication, assistive technologies and associated technical support.
Acquire education strategies for Health and Healthy Aging: counseling, development, facilitation of behavior change.

1. Gerontology: contextualization with the scientific and main intervention areas
Demographic considerations surrounding the aging
Human Aging: biopsychosocial process of differentiation and inter and intra individual variability
Chronological age as a reducer criteria
Functionality and autonomy as determinants of health.
2. The social image of old age: myths and prejudices – main manifestations and implications.
3. Personal and social changes associated with aging: issues to be addressed.
(eg. the reform, the social network and family relations)
Process of adaptation to personal and social change and development opportunities in old age.
Plasticity, life review and interaction as part of healthy aging.
4. Systems, formal and informal social responses to support the elderly in the promotion of healthy aging: the elderly in the community and in institutions.
5. Aging models and quality of life in old age.
6. Services, systems and social policies and social protection of the elderly: examples of programs and projects for active aging.
7. Health promotion and healthy aging
Empowerment
Ethical and cultural aspects
Inequity in health
8. Major geriatric syndromes, health, functionality and aging
Mental health
Nutrition and Aging
Physical activity
Injuries, falls, accidents and other trauma
Use and abuse of substances
Assistive technology for active aging
Accessibility and universal design
9. Education strategies for health in gerontology: counseling, capacity building, facilitation of behavior change, incentives and initiatives for community development, environmental change and social marketing, preventive health services: falls, functional dependency, metabolic syndrome and dementia.

• - Work Presentation and Discussion - 50.0%
• - Individual and/or Group Work - 50.0%

NAO

Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on social determinants of health. Final report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva: World Health Organization.
European Commission (2011). How to promote active ageing in Europe EU support to local and regional actors.
Galit Nimrod & Idit Ben-Shem (2015). Successful Aging as a Lifelong Process. Educational Gerontology, 41,11, 814-824. DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2015.1050904.
Kart, C., & Kinney, J. (2001). The realities of aging. An introduction to Gerontology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Oliveira, A. L. et al. (Eds) (2011). Promoting conscious and active learning and aging: How to face current and future challenges? Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra. ISBN DIGITAL 978-989-26-0732-0.
Organização Mundial da Saúde (2015). Relatório Mundial sobre Envelhecimento e Saúde, Genebra, Suíça.
Pául, C., Ribeiro, O. (2012). Manual de Gerontologia: Aspetos biocomportamentais, psicológicos e sociais do envelhecimento. Lisboa. Lidel. ISBN: 978-972-757-799-6.
Pocinho R., Santos, E., Pais, A., & Pardo, E. (2013). Envelhecer hoje: conceitos e práticas. Curitiba, Appris. ISBN: 978-85-8192-169-3
Robyn J. Brunton & Greg Scott (2015). Do We Fear Ageing? A Multidimensional Approach to Ageing Anxiety. Educational Gerontology, 41,11, 786-799. DOI:10.1080/03601277.2015.1050870.
Swedish National Institute of Public Health. (2010). Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease. Professional Associations for Physical Activity, Sweden.
UNECE/ European Commission (2015). “Active Ageing Index 2014: Analytical Report”, Report prepared by Asghar Zaidi of Centre for Research on Ageing, University of Southampton and David Stanton, under contract with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Geneva), co-funded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (Brussels).
Veríssimo, M. T. (2014). Geriatria Fundamental: Saber e Praticar. Lisboa. Lidel. ISBN:978-989-752-056-3.