Retirement Community Administration Diploma: Social Gerontology

About Course

This course examines the social aspects of ageing, with a focus on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by older adults in retirement communities. It explores how ageing intersects with social structures, policies, and cultural norms, particularly within the context of senior living environments.

Students will analyse key theories and research in social gerontology and gain insights into the role of community engagement, social networks, and family dynamics in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for older individuals in retirement settings.

After completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
Analyze key theories and concepts in social gerontology and their relevance to retirement home settings, focusing on how aging impacts residents’ social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Evaluate the impact of social, economic, and political factors on the quality of life for older adults in retirement homes, addressing issues like healthcare access, social policies, and financial stability.
Create community engagement strategies that foster social inclusion and provide meaningful support for residents, ensuring a sense of belonging within the retirement home environment.
Apply research methods to explore social challenges specific to retirement home residents, including mental health, mobility, and social isolation, with a focus on improving service delivery.
Develop advocacy plans that address the rights and needs of retirement home residents, promoting policies that support autonomy, dignity, and resident-centered care.
Assess the role of family, friends, and social networks in enhancing residents' social integration and overall quality of life, considering how family dynamics and community involvement influence care in retirement homes.

Course Content

Topic 1: Evolution of Gerontology

Evolution of Gerontology

02:01
LO1: Explain the Evolution and Scope of Gerontology in Ageing Studies

15:00
LO2: Analyze the role of Social Gerontology in Retirement Home Environments

15:17
LO3: Evaluate the impact of Gerontology on Older Adult Well-Being and Care Practices

14:04

Topic 2: Theories of Ageing

Topic 3: Biological Ageing Processes

Topic 4: Psychological Changes in Ageing

Topic 5: Social Roles of Older Adults

Quiz I

Topic 6: Family Dynamics & Caregiving

Topic 7: Ageism & Stereotype

Topic 8: Cultural Influences on Ageing

Topic 9: Retirement Transitions

Topic 10: Social Isolation & Loneliness

Quiz II

Topic 11: Senior Mental Health

Topic 12: Cognitive Health & Decline

Topic 13: Living Arrangements & Housing

Topic 14: Community Supports

Topic 15: Senior Advocacy

Topic 16: Quality of Life Indicators

Topic 17: Palliative Perspectives

Topic 18: Research Trends in Gerontology

Topic 19: Canadian Policy & Demographics

Topic 20: Final Exam Review.

Final Exam Quiz

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Topic 1: Evolution of Gerontology

Evolution of Gerontology

LO1: Explain the Evolution and Scope of Gerontology in Ageing Studies

LO2: Analyze the role of Social Gerontology in Retirement Home Environments

LO3: Evaluate the impact of Gerontology on Older Adult Well-Being and Care Practices

Topic 2: Theories of Ageing

Theories of Ageing

LO1: Explain key Theories of Ageing and their relevance to Older Adults

LO2: Analyze Biological, Psychological, and Social Perspectives on Ageing

LO3: Evaluate the application of Ageing Theories in Retirement Community Settings

Topic 3: Biological Ageing Processes

Biological Ageing Processes

LO1: Explain the Biological Changes associated with the Ageing Process

LO2: Analyze the impact of Physical Ageing on Daily Living and Health

LO3: Evaluate strategies that support Healthy Ageing and Physical Well-Being

Topic 4: Psychological Changes in Ageing

Psychological Changes in Ageing

LO1: Explain Psychological Changes experienced during the Ageing Process

LO2: Analyze the relationship between Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being in Older Adults

LO3: Evaluate approaches for supporting Psychological Health in Retirement Communities

Topic 5: Social Roles of Older Adults

Social Roles of Older Adults

LO1: Explain the changing Social Roles of Older Adults in Society and Family Structures

LO2: Analyze the impact of Retirement and Ageing on Identity and Social Participation

LO3: Evaluate strategies that promote Social Inclusion and Active Ageing

Quiz I

Quiz I

Topic 6: Family Dynamics & Caregiving

Family Dynamics & Caregiving

LO1: Explain the role of Family Dynamics in Older Adult Care and Support

LO2: Analyze the impact of Caregiving Responsibilities on Families and Residents

LO3: Evaluate strategies for improving Family Involvement and Care Coordination

Topic 7: Ageism & Stereotype

Ageism & Stereotype

LO1: Explain the concepts of Ageism and Age-Related Stereotypes in Society.

LO2: Analyze the effects of Ageism on Older Adult Well-Being and Care Quality

LO3: Evaluate approaches to promote Respect, Inclusion, and Positive Ageing Perspectives

Topic 8: Cultural Influences on Ageing

Cultural Influences on Ageing

LO1: Explain how Cultural Beliefs and Traditions influence Ageing Experiences

LO2: Analyze Cultural Differences in Attitudes toward Older Adults and Care Practices

LO3: Evaluate strategies for providing Culturally Sensitive Support in Retirement Communities

Topic 9: Retirement Transitions

Retirement Transitions

LO1: Explain the social and emotional impact of Retirement Transitions on Older Adults

LO2: Analyze factors influencing Adjustment and Adaptation during Retirement

LO3: Evaluate strategies that support Positive Retirement Experiences and Well-Being

Topic 10: Social Isolation & Loneliness

Social Isolation & Loneliness

LO1: Explain the causes and effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

LO2: Analyze the relationship between Social Connections and Quality of Life

LO3: Evaluate Community Engagement Strategies that reduce Isolation among Seniors

Quiz II

Quiz II

Topic 11: Senior Mental Health

Senior Mental Health

LO1: Explain common Mental Health Challenges experienced by Older Adults

LO2: Analyze the impact of Mental Health on Daily Functioning and Social Participation

LO3: Evaluate support strategies that promote Emotional and Psychological Well-Being

Topic 12: Cognitive Health & Decline

Cognitive Health & Decline

LO1: Explain Cognitive Changes and Decline associated with the Ageing Process

LO2: Analyze factors affecting Memory, Learning, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

LO3: Evaluate approaches that support Cognitive Health and Early Intervention Practices

Topic 13: Living Arrangements & Housing

Living Arrangements & Housing

LO1: Explain different Living Arrangements and Housing Options for Older Adults

LO2: Analyze the relationship between Housing Environments and Resident Well-Being

LO3: Evaluate supportive Housing Strategies that enhance Safety, Mobility, and Independence

Topic 14: Community Supports

Community Supports

LO1: Explain the importance of Community Supports in Older Adult Care and Inclusion

LO2: Analyze the role of Social Programs and Services in enhancing Quality of Life

LO3: Evaluate Community-Based Approaches that support Resident Engagement and Well-Being

Topic 15: Senior Advocacy

Senior Advocacy

LO1: Explain the principles and importance of Senior Advocacy in Retirement Communities