Understanding Irish Health Policy
Module Name |
Ageing and Intergenerational Relations (10ECTS) |
Module Lecturer |
Dr Catherine Elliott O’Dare |
Module aims |
Evidence indicates that societies are ageing, with the World Health Organisation advising that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population aged over 60 will nearly double from 12% to 22%. This module will provide students with an opportunity to explore and understand the implications of this demographic change. The module takes a critical, social gerontological approach to understanding how ageing and older age is socially constructed, portrayed , understood, and experienced in everyday life at population and individual level. Students will engage with theories of ageing, and concepts such as intersectionality, inequality and ageism, the life course, generations, and intergenerational relations. The module content will encourage students to challenge stereotyping and to interrogate the diversity of ‘ways’ of ageing in contemporary societies. Students will become conversant with theories, literature, and empirical evidence to critically analyse contemporary policy developments, nationally and internationally in relation to ageing, Finally, students will critically engage with the current international and national policy solutions designed to promote and achieve an equitable and inclusive society for all citizens as they age. |
Module learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Engage with and apply the concepts and theories of ageing to interrogate how ageing is understood and constructed, historically and in contemporary societies. • Recognise the diversity in the ‘ways’ of ageing for social groups, and the lived experiences, expectations, and outcomes in relation to health, care, finance, leisure, and work. • Frame and critically analyse the concept of ‘generations’ and ageing and intergenerational relations in everyday life through engagement with empirical data and literature to understand how intergenerational relations can be deployed as a conduit to promote equality and social inclusion for older people. • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concept of age discrimination and exclusion, and the policy measures taken to counter age inequality in the workplace and society.
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Module Content |
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Teaching and learning format |
Two hours per week, in person. Additionally, Weeks 1 and 2 will include two one - hour tutorials. Students will be encouraged to participate in peer-learning and in-class interactive exercises.. |
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Assessment |
2 x online peer-reviewed Blog posts (Week 25 and 29) = 20% A poster and policy briefing document (2,000 words excl. references) (Week 34) = 80% |
Re-assessment |
A poster and policy briefing document (2,000 words excl. references) = 80% Students retain marks earned for two peer reviewed blog posts/group presentation completed= 20% |
Key Texts. |
Biggs, S. Hendricks, J. and Lowenstein, A (2020). Critical approaches to Social Gerontology. New York: Routledge. Carney, G & Nash, P (2020). Critical questions for Ageing Societies. Bristol: Policy Press.De Medeiros, K. (2017) The Short Guide to Ageing and Gerontology. Bristol: Policy Press. Gullette, M. M (2017) Ending Ageism, or How not to Shoot Old People. London: Rutgers University Press. Hülsen-Esch, A. (2022) Cultural Perspectives on Aging : A Different Approach to Old Age and Aging. eBook https://eds-s-ebscohost-com.elib.tcd.ie/eds. Timonen, V (2016) Beyond Successful and Active Ageing: A theory of Model Ageing. Bristol: Policy Press. Wellin, C (2018) Critical gerontology comes of age: advances in research and theory for a new century. The above books are available electronically or in print at Trinity Library. Additional readings for each week will be assigned during term. |
Useful web-based content |
https://tilda.tcd.ie/ |
Relevant Journals |
Ageing and Society |