The course aims to provide knowledge and skills that allow students to know how to orient themselves in the panorama of the Psychology of Aging with particular attention to the social processes related to the later stages of life. A review of the main social theories concerning aging and the methodology for aging research will be presented. Demographic and socialtrends in aging societies will be discussed. Furthermore, the physical, psychological, and social processes of aging will be examined. Readings, seminars, discussions and classroom activities will help to understand that aging is socially constructed and influenced by psychological, relational and contextual factors. As part of the course, educational and training interventions aimed at supporting psychological and social changes that elderly people encounter during this stage of life will also be identified.
With the study of the Psychology of Aging and Social Processes the student will be able to achieve the following educational objectives.
In terms of knowledge and understanding:
• knowledge and understanding of the concepts underlying the psychology of aging (sensory, cognitive, emotional-motivational changes), ageism in ageing, the multidimensionality and multidirectionality of aging between gains and losses and successful aging, and of the role of the environment in supporting older person's autonomy and safety in the face of changes in environmental competence.
In terms of ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
• apply theories, terms, concepts and basic theories of aging to counter the myths and ignorance surrounding older people and the aging process in society;
• promote well-being in later adulthood and successful ageing;
• evaluate the bio-psycho-social factors of aging to promote positive experiences and expectations of ageing.
In terms of judgement autonomy:
• distinguish between different approaches and worldviews underpinning studies on ageism;
• interpret and analyze aging's influences on cognitive, behavioral and psychosocial processes throughout adult life.
In terms of communication skills:
• explain the biological, cognitive and psychosocial changes that occur as a function of age and the role of critical factors involved in healthy and positive aging to a diverse audience;
• discuss the impact of population aging on the individual, family and society.
In terms of learning ability:
• autonomously master articles, volumes and chapters of the psycho-social literature in the field of aging processes by linking them with the themes developed during the course and real-life experience of ageing.
Curriculum
teacher profile teaching materials
Particular attention will be given to the challenges posed by population aging in contemporary societies, including demographic changes, emerging needs, and implications for educational, social, and community services. The effects of biological changes on physical and cognitive functions, as well as the interaction between relational, environmental, and cultural factors, will also be examined.
The course will include analysis and discussion of the most recent literature on psychological and physical well-being and quality of life in old age, with a focus on models of active and successful aging. From this perspective, the role of social participation as a key factor in maintaining autonomy, identity, and well-being in the elderly population will be explored. The course will also address the topic of intergenerational relationships, exploring the value of intergenerationality as an educational and social resource for promoting inclusion, skills sharing, and community cohesion.
In conclusion, this course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to identify and implement educational and psychosocial interventions that are intended to improve the well-being, active participation, and quality of life of older adults and caregivers.
Students will be provided with some scientific articles related to topics covered in class as complementary educational material in electronic format.
Programme
The course will explore the key social issues and psychological perspectives related to aging, emphasizing the importance of a bio-psycho-social approach that will provide an understanding of the interaction between biological changes, psychological processes, and social contexts as we age.Particular attention will be given to the challenges posed by population aging in contemporary societies, including demographic changes, emerging needs, and implications for educational, social, and community services. The effects of biological changes on physical and cognitive functions, as well as the interaction between relational, environmental, and cultural factors, will also be examined.
The course will include analysis and discussion of the most recent literature on psychological and physical well-being and quality of life in old age, with a focus on models of active and successful aging. From this perspective, the role of social participation as a key factor in maintaining autonomy, identity, and well-being in the elderly population will be explored. The course will also address the topic of intergenerational relationships, exploring the value of intergenerationality as an educational and social resource for promoting inclusion, skills sharing, and community cohesion.
In conclusion, this course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to identify and implement educational and psychosocial interventions that are intended to improve the well-being, active participation, and quality of life of older adults and caregivers.
Core Documentation
Morganti, F. (2022). Psicologia dell'Invecchiamento e qualità della vita. Salute, fragilità, demenze. Carocci.Students will be provided with some scientific articles related to topics covered in class as complementary educational material in electronic format.
Type of delivery of the course
The program involves lectures, seminars, presentations, exercises, and group discussions.Attendance
Although attendance at the Environmental Psychology and sustainability course is not mandatory, it is highly recommended in order to promote active learning and a full understanding of the content covered. Participation in lectures provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the course’s main topics and to benefit from the planned activities. These activities are designed to be delivered in person and aim to foster dialogue, engagement, and critical discussion, which are key components of the learning process.Type of evaluation
The exam consists of an oral examination and a project. The oral exam will demonstrate both adequate knowledge of the main theories and constructs in the field of aging psychology and the acquisition of technical language specific to the discipline, useful for communicating clearly and effectively with both specialists and non-specialists. Lecture topics will be an integral part of the oral exam. The oral exam evaluation will consider several factors, including: - the level and quality of knowledge of topics; - the ability to critically analyze the topics covered; - the coherence and logical soundness of the arguments; - the ability to apply theories and concepts to concrete contexts; - the use of appropriate terminology for the discipline. In addition to the oral examination, students will be required to complete a project related to the course content. The project may consist of designing an educational, social, or psycho-educational intervention aimed at the elderly population, caregivers, or in intergenerational contexts. A clear definition of the objectives, target audience, proposed activities, and methodologies need to be included in the project, as well as an explicit link to the theoretical frameworks covered during the course. The project will be evaluated based on its consistency with course content, its ability to integrate theory and practice, its clarity of presentation, the feasibility of the proposals, and the quality of the overall presentation. When participation in classroom activities is not possible, the project should be developed using the study materials specified by the professor and must explicitly incorporate the theoretical content of the referenced texts. Detailed guidelines for the project will be provided. Overall evaluation of the oral exam and the project will determine the final grade. teacher profile teaching materials
Particular attention will be given to the challenges posed by population aging in contemporary societies, including demographic changes, emerging needs, and implications for educational, social, and community services. The effects of biological changes on physical and cognitive functions, as well as the interaction between relational, environmental, and cultural factors, will also be examined.
The course will include analysis and discussion of the most recent literature on psychological and physical well-being and quality of life in old age, with a focus on models of active and successful aging. From this perspective, the role of social participation as a key factor in maintaining autonomy, identity, and well-being in the elderly population will be explored. The course will also address the topic of intergenerational relationships, exploring the value of intergenerationality as an educational and social resource for promoting inclusion, skills sharing, and community cohesion.
In conclusion, this course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to identify and implement educational and psychosocial interventions that are intended to improve the well-being, active participation, and quality of life of older adults and caregivers.
Students will be provided with some scientific articles related to topics covered in class as complementary educational material in electronic format.
Programme
The course will explore the key social issues and psychological perspectives related to aging, emphasizing the importance of a bio-psycho-social approach that will provide an understanding of the interaction between biological changes, psychological processes, and social contexts as we age.Particular attention will be given to the challenges posed by population aging in contemporary societies, including demographic changes, emerging needs, and implications for educational, social, and community services. The effects of biological changes on physical and cognitive functions, as well as the interaction between relational, environmental, and cultural factors, will also be examined.
The course will include analysis and discussion of the most recent literature on psychological and physical well-being and quality of life in old age, with a focus on models of active and successful aging. From this perspective, the role of social participation as a key factor in maintaining autonomy, identity, and well-being in the elderly population will be explored. The course will also address the topic of intergenerational relationships, exploring the value of intergenerationality as an educational and social resource for promoting inclusion, skills sharing, and community cohesion.
In conclusion, this course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to identify and implement educational and psychosocial interventions that are intended to improve the well-being, active participation, and quality of life of older adults and caregivers.
Core Documentation
Morganti, F. (2022). Psicologia dell'Invecchiamento e qualità della vita. Salute, fragilità, demenze. Carocci.Students will be provided with some scientific articles related to topics covered in class as complementary educational material in electronic format.
Type of delivery of the course
The program involves lectures, seminars, presentations, exercises, and group discussions.Attendance
Although attendance at the Environmental Psychology and sustainability course is not mandatory, it is highly recommended in order to promote active learning and a full understanding of the content covered. Participation in lectures provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the course’s main topics and to benefit from the planned activities. These activities are designed to be delivered in person and aim to foster dialogue, engagement, and critical discussion, which are key components of the learning process.Type of evaluation
The exam consists of an oral examination and a project. The oral exam will demonstrate both adequate knowledge of the main theories and constructs in the field of aging psychology and the acquisition of technical language specific to the discipline, useful for communicating clearly and effectively with both specialists and non-specialists. Lecture topics will be an integral part of the oral exam. The oral exam evaluation will consider several factors, including: - the level and quality of knowledge of topics; - the ability to critically analyze the topics covered; - the coherence and logical soundness of the arguments; - the ability to apply theories and concepts to concrete contexts; - the use of appropriate terminology for the discipline. In addition to the oral examination, students will be required to complete a project related to the course content. The project may consist of designing an educational, social, or psycho-educational intervention aimed at the elderly population, caregivers, or in intergenerational contexts. A clear definition of the objectives, target audience, proposed activities, and methodologies need to be included in the project, as well as an explicit link to the theoretical frameworks covered during the course. The project will be evaluated based on its consistency with course content, its ability to integrate theory and practice, its clarity of presentation, the feasibility of the proposals, and the quality of the overall presentation. When participation in classroom activities is not possible, the project should be developed using the study materials specified by the professor and must explicitly incorporate the theoretical content of the referenced texts. Detailed guidelines for the project will be provided. Overall evaluation of the oral exam and the project will determine the final grade.