Design for Ageing

This subject is not offered in 2015.

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Demographic ageing is creating a shift in how to think and define homes, cities and public spaces. This subject explores feasible and sustainable approaches to keep the older segment of the population physically and socially active. Innovative changes in design can lead to significant advancements in service delivery, transportation models and homes that allow people to age in place. In addition, design principles for dementia and palliative care are a few of the many concepts that help minimise stress on people as they age and their families. Students will explore these topics and develop their own ideas about the way design can optimise the ageing process for comfort, security and overall well-being.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an informed understanding of key principles in age-friendly design.
• Critically analyse and assess the benefits and risks of design strategies that primarily are used to help older adults live independently for a longer period of time.
• Select and further develop or design a new approach to ageing in place that addresses housing, transportation or outdoor spaces.

• Weekly contribution to online discussions (10%)
• 15 minute solo online presentation that explores an ageing in place model, with structured peer review of another student’s presentation due Mid Semester (25%)
• 15-20 minute team project on a best-practice example for an age-friendly home, city or public space due Mid Semester (15%)
• Written and/or graphic project of 3,000 words on a current issue in age-friendly design due end of Semester (50%)

Students will have access to electronic copies of relevant readings.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice and reinforce:

• High level oral and written communication skills.
• Apply research skills to make evidence-supported recommendations.
• Advanced skills in reasoning, persuasion and effective argumentation.
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with team members.