Older Person’s Mental Health

Subject Overview

MH913 Older Persons’ Mental Health considers the healthcare needs of older people and the ways in which older people are represented through the media, health and social policies and legislation. The way that these representations impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older people and their access to healthcare will be analysed. Case studies will be used to evaluate the importance of having a sense of meaning and purpose, a sense of belonging, and achieving balance through social networks, service to others, nutrition, and physical activity. Research on contemporary evidence on severe challenges to mental wellbeing such as dementia, bereavement, and end of life care, will be critically analysed. Behavioural gerontology is investigated and explains how changes in the environment can produce changes in behaviour. The role of compassion within healthcare provision for older people will be reflected upon, while considering that, given a choice, many older people would prefer to live in their own homes despite challenges such as disabilities, loneliness and the problems of health care. Students will develop advanced understanding of theories and methods for facilitating healthy ageing. Buddhist perspectives on death and dying are explored within this subject.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the mental health and physiological changes associated with ageing.
2. Critically analyse the determinants of healthy ageing and the implications of an ageing population.
3. Examine the mental health care needs of older people and the corresponding strategies for wellness.
4. Study and critically assess approaches to dementia, bereavement, the process of death and dying and end of life care.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Essay (50%)
• Assessment 2: Report (50%)