PSY2242 · Psychology of ageing

Overview

This unit will focus on the psychology of the ageing process, from young adulthood all the way through to older adulthood. You will gain an understanding of optimal ageing, including when changes occur across a variety of social (e.g., working and retirement), psychological (e.g., mental health) and biological (e.g., brain health) factors, and what can be done to promote positive ageing. You will gain an understanding of modifiable factors, including cognitive training, social engagement, diet and exercise. You will cover theories of ageing and different types of interventions, including lifestyle and digital interventions, which can help optimise and promote ageing effectively. This course will focus on ageing across the life span, and across diverse populations.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the biological, cognitive, and psycho-social changes that occur as a function of age within and across diverse populations.
2. Analyse influences of ageing on cognitive, behavioural, psycho-social processes across the adult lifespan.
3. Evaluate bio-psycho-social factors of ageing to promote positive experiences and expectations of ageing.
4. Evaluate research methods and psychological tools used in the study of ageing for evidence based ethical practice.
5. Effectively communicate a range of critical factors involved in healthy and positive ageing to a diverse audience.
6. Explore modifiable lifestyle factors to promote healthy ageing and critically evaluate associated interventions for positive biopsychosocial outcomes.

Workload

2 hours of lectures per week. 1.5 hours of tutorials twelve times per semester. Preparation: Eight hours background reading/preparation for lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks per week. Attendance at tutorials is recommended in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.