Gerontology

Paper Code: 
HHD 423
Credits: 
2
Contact Hours: 
30.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
This course will enable the students to :
1. Understand , aware and sensitized to issues related to care of the elderly 
2. Understand the theoretical perspectives of the aging process.
3. Execute the awareness about the needs and challenges facing the current generation of older adults, 
4. Apply  social/political perspectives, behavioral, and biological aspects of aging, 
5. Remember the ways aging affects areas such as sexuality, family relations, personality, and creativity, 
6. Understand existing and potential careers in the field of aging, and 
7. Understand Factors that would contribute to successful aging. 

Course Outcomes (CO’s):

Course

Learning Outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Assignment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

HHD 423

Gerontology

Student will–

COHD 131: Appraise the stereotypes, demographic data, and theoretical perspective of aging

COHD 132: Support the health challenges and other concerns of aging.

COHD 133: Value and support the adjustment and changing life style in old age.

COHD 134: Appraise the policies and programmes for elderly

COHD 135: Formulate strategies for positive aging by identifying the resources and barriers.

 

 

Approaches in Teaching:  Interactive Lectures, Mock Activity, Power Point Presentation, Discussion with lectures.

 

 

Learning activities for the Students:

Self learning assignments, field practicals.

Quiz. PPT, Group projects, assignments, CA test , Semester End Examination.

 

6.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Gerontology
• Overview of gerontology, stereotypes  about the elderly
• Emergence and scope of gerontology; Demographic profile of the aged in Indian Context; Concept of aging - Social, medical, psychological, occupational changes 
• Theoretical Perspectives of Aging – Disengagement theory, activity theory, Human Development theory, Continuity theory, Age Stratification theory, Labeling theory 
• Growth & diversity in older population 
 
6.00
Unit II: 
Aging Process
• Impact of aging on Biological/Physiological aspects; Psychological, Economic, Social and Spiritual aspects, 
• Health Challenges and Care – physical, psychological, social problems, Factors influencing on health status and care required for aged 
 
6.00
Unit III: 
Adjustment Patterns and changing life style in old age
• Family pattern, Changing roles and the aging family-conjugal, Husband-wife relations, sexual adjustment; marital adjustment; Intergenerational family relations-Grand parenthood, Widowhood/Singlehood; Alternative life styles, Remarriage in later years 
• Work, Leisure and retirement patterns – Work-meaning of work, individual motivation; Leisure; Retirement – benefits, Attitude towards retirement; Poverty, poor health retirement and suicide; abandonment, liberation and diachronic solidarity 
 
6.00
Unit IV: 
Policies & Programmes for elderly
• Care of the Aged –- Policies and programmes, govt. and non-govt. agencies working for aged
• Categories of services Housing, health, leisure time activities; Institution for the aged- Day care Centers; Economic programmes - Re-engagement, Retirement pension, death cum gratuity, provident fund, health insurances, insurance scheme, investment and taxation and property 
• Senior citizen Bill Registration 
• Career opportunities in Gerontology
 
6.00
Unit V: 
Positive Aging : Resources & Barriers
• Mental health and aging
• Diversity in aging : Gender, racial, & socioeconomic  Disparities in health
• Recreation and the aged
• Seniors as mentors and advisors
• Key to positive aging
 
Essential Readings: 
• Blau, Z. (1983). Old Age in Changing Society, New York: New View Prints. 
• Chowdhry Paul D. (1992). Aging and the Aged, New Delhi: Inter India Pub. 
• Cox, H. (1984). Later Life: The Reality of Aging, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc. 
• Desai, K.G. (1985). Problems of the Retired People in Greater Bombay, Bombay : TISS, Series No.27. 
• Kennedy, C. (1988). Human Development, New York: Macmillan. 
• Sharma, M. L. &Dak, T.M. (1987). Aging in India: Challenge for the Society, Delhi: Janta Pub. 
 
Academic Year: 
2021-2022
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