Body of Ageing

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

The pre-teaching period is included to provide an opportunity for students to get used to the online platform, meet the instructors/tutors and become familiar with how to access resources before the teaching period starts.

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

This subject focuses on how the body and its systems are affected by ageing and explores the differences between the natural ageing process and physical changes that develop as a result of illness with older persons. Students will also examine the effects of the environment and lifestyle factors on musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological systems that contribute to the experience of ageing and to the individual’s capability to engage with their participation preferences. Understanding the common impairments and physiological changes behind them that occur as part of ageing process provides students with a fundamental base to critically analyse as well as develop strategies for healthy ageing and disease prevention.

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

• Recognise the physiological changes that occur as part of the ageing process, and distinguish the signs and symptoms commonly associated with ageing from those associated with disease.
• Recognise risk factors contributing to reduced function and participation in later life.
• Select appropriate strategies to prevent and minimise the impact of risk factors on function and participation throughout the ageing process.
• Evaluate current literature to select appropriate Referral/Resource to optimise care.
• Develop critical reflection and self-evaluation of their own experience with ageing and, if relevant, in their professional practice and work setting.
• Analyse, assess and develop strategies for healthy ageing and disease prevention, including physical activity and pharmacological interventions.

• Contribution to Online Discussions, due throughout the teaching period (10%)
• Case study (1,000 words), due in the middle of the teaching period (20%)
• Presentation (10 minutes), due at the end of the teaching period (20%)
• A 2,500-word written assignment, due at the end of the assessment period (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:

• Identify, critically analyse and evaluate relevant information.
• High level written communication skills.
• Apply research skills to make evidence-supported recommendations.