The course is included in these curricula and study modules
- Social services 2005 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2006 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2007 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2008 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2009 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2010 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2011 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2012 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
- Social services 2013 - The life and circumstances of the elderly
Level/category
Teaching language
English
Type of course
Compulsory
Cycle/level of course
First
Recommended year of study
2
Total number of ECTS
5 cr
Competency aims
At the end of the course the student should:
- have knowledge of old people’s living conditions and every-day life
- have knowledge of attitudes to aging and elderly
- have knowledge of the aging society and
fundamental demographic changes
- have knowledge of aging in a life course and
life history perspective
- be able to apply different social gerontological theories and concepts in order to understand old people’s life situations
- be able to challenge ageism
Learning outcomes
This IP would like to open new perspectives on what role and image older people have in our Western societies. Especially in the area of an ageing society in Europe, the way older people are approached by caregivers like social workers and nurses is fundamental. The older people are often confronted with a negative approach in both health and social services. This approach is not open and evident but hidden in the values that shape our legislation and how it is implemented, the practices and traditions of service delivery, and the possibilities of participation in the community and maintaining personal dignity. These possibilities are intertwined with the planning of infrastructure, housing and transport. More often than not some obstacles for participation in the social life could have been prevented, had the older people themselves had a voice in the planning process.
The role and image of ageing and the ways of implementing the services are vary depending on the cultural contexts and that is why an intercultural study module is fruitful for all participants.
Course contents
- Basic social theories of aging
- Knowledge and myths about aging
- Life history perspective
- The life course perspective
- Longevity and life styles
Prerequisites and co-requisites
None
Additional information
Note! Compulsory attendance in all parts of the IP program, including lectures, groups, challenges and presentations
Recommended or required reading
Course literature
Atchley, R.C. 2004. Social forces and aging: An
introduction to social gerontology. (Social
Aspects of Individual Ageing) Belmont: Wadsworth.
Daatland, S.O& Biggs, S.(Eds) (2007) Ageing and
Diversity: Multiple pathways and cultural
migrations. Bristol. The Policy Press.
Current scientific research articles. Action research.
Further literature:
Biggs, S. (1996) Understanding ageing. Images,
attitudes and professional practice. Buckingham:
Open University Press
Birren, J.E. et al. (Eds) (1996) Aging and
biography. Exploration in adult development. New
York: Springer
Binstock, R.H. (2006) Handbook of ageing and the
social sciences. Academic Press
Jegermalm, M. (2005) Carers in the welfare state –
On informal care and support for carers in Sweden.
Academic dissertation. Stockholm University, Dept
of Social Work
Kröger, T. (2005) Interplay between formal and
informal care for older people: The state of the
Nordic research. I M. Szebehely (Red)
Äldreomsorgsforskning i Norden. En
kunskapsöversikt (s. S. 243-280). Nordiska
Ministerrådet, Tema Nord 2005:508
Linderborg, Hilkka. Pro Gradu. 2007. www.
Öberg, P & Tornstam, L (1999) Body images among
men and women of different ages. Ageing & Society
19: 629-644
Öberg, P. & Tornstam, L., (2001) Youthfulness and
Fitness - Identity Ideals for All Ages? Journal of
Aging and Identity 6(1):15-29
Öberg, P. & Tornstam, L., (2003) Attitudes towards
embodied old age among Swedes. International
Journal of Aging & Human Development 56(2): 133-
153
Öberg, P. (2003) Images versus experiences of the
ageing body. In C. Faircloth (Ed.) Aging Bodies:
Meanings and Perspectives (pp. 103-139). Walnut
Creek, Clifornia: Alta Mira Press
Articles presented during the course
Study activities
- Lectures - 23 hours
- Excursions and demonstrations - 20 hours
- Individual- and group instruction - 5 hours
- Practical exercises - 5 hours
- Project- and production work/artistic activities - 10 hours
- Individual studies - 70 hours
Workload
- Total workload of the course: 133 hours
- Of which autonomous studies: 133 hours
- Of which scheduled studies: 0 hours
Mode of Delivery
Participation in tuition
Assessment methods
- Demonstrations and proficiency exams
- Essays, reports, productions and portfolio
Assessment requirements
This is an IP course and assignment that will be further described before course starts
Teacher
- Gustafs Christel
- Nordlund-Spiby Rut
- Sigfrids Ingmar
- Sundell Solveig
Examiner
Gustafs Christel
Home page of the course
Group size
No limit
Assignments valid until
12 months after course has ended
Assessment methods
- Date will be announced later - Demonstrations and presentations
- Date will be announced later - Reports and productions
- Date will be announced later - Other assignments