Course Contents

1. Definition and concept of elderly 2. Concept of ageism 3. What is Gerontology? 4. Demographic concepts of aging 5. New challenges of Global Graying __Important issues and concepts 6. International perspectives on aging 7. Confronting myths about the elderly, and analysis of these myths with facts.  Myth A:- All elderly people are burdened with multiple physical complaints, and are riddled with diseases.  Myth B: - Old people are un attractive and smelly, have no teeth, and can barely see r hear.  Myth C: - Old people sleep all the time.  Myth D: - All old people are senile. 8. Theories of aging  Disengagement  Activity  Subculture  Minority 9. Common problems facing elderly people  Social Problems • Accomodation • Transportation • Recreational  Psychological problems • Lonliness and isolation • Fear of death • family issues • protection etc  Physical problems • vision • hearing • general weakness • diet and other disabilities  Economic problems • poverty • unemployment • pension and financial investment 10. Role of social worker 11. Long term care through community health services  Adult day care  Hospitals  Senior centers 12. Islamic concept regarding care of senior citizens 13. Role of governmental and non-governmental agencies for the welfare of the senior citizens

Course Synopsis

Social Work with the elderly is a rapidly growing field. This course aims to provide knowledge about the issues involved in aging. What policies and services need to meet in this context? By studying this course students can receive advocacy skills in order to strengthen elderly people rights and to maximize their self-determination and quality of life. This course discuss the problems, elderly people commonly face including ageism, discrimination, financial problems, health issues etc. and role of Social Worker in solving those problems.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be able to:- 1. Identify the issue of Aging. Problem faced by elderly people and their possible solutions. 2. Advocate on behalf of elderly people to establish policies and services that meet their vital needs for "health and autonomy". 3. Advocate changing society’s behavior towards negative myths about elderly people. 4. Educate upcoming generations to prepare for an increasing proportion of elderly people, on the one hand and for themselves as they age, on the other.