Online Course
A sustainable life is one that is lived well throughout all stages of life from childhood to old age.
- This course has been developed by our team of educators, health scientists and psychologists; collaborating to bring together a diverse training and experience, to create a holistic understanding of how to optimise the quality of life and longevity in the later decades of a human life.
- A learning program for anyone approaching old age; or needing to deal with elderly people at home. This may be a career starter or taster for some who contemplate working in gerontology. For others it can be a gap filler or professional development for people working in professions such as aged care or nursing.
COURSE CONTENT
This course is spread across nine lessons with content as outline below:
1. The Aging Process
Introduction the Aging Process
Biological Definition of Death
How Men & Women Age Differently
Physical, Cognitive, Personal and Social Development in Older Adults
Physical Changes
Cognitive Changes
Personal Changes
Social Changes
Changes in Relationships
Tools and Assessments for Aging
Frailty Index
Clinical Frailty Scale
2. Monitoring Health
Monitoring Health indicators
- Weight
- Blood Pressure
- Temperature
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Hearing
- Eyesight
- Mobility
Health Events and Specialists -Blood tests, radiology and other diagnostics
Control of the Heart and Lungs During Exercise -Alpha and Beta Blockers
Blood Pressure
Cardiac Output
Peripheral Resistance
Blood Volume
How BP is taken
Blood Disorders
Red Cell Disorders
White Cell Disorders
Platelet Disorders
Blood Clotting Disorders
Weight and Obesity
Use of Diuretics
Careful Use of Over Counter Medicines & Prescription Drugs
3. Adapting to a Different Mindset
Psychological Wellbeing
Adjusting to Growing Older
Loss Aversion
Bridge’s Transition Model of Change
Habit and the Brain
Grief and Aging
Types of Grief
4. Managing Diet
Introduction to Healthy Eating
Food Pyramids
Food Plates
Benefits of a Healthy Diet
Frequency of Eating
Healthy Digestion
Developing Routines for Optimal Digestion and Nutritional Health
Probiotics and Supplements
Nutrition Based Interventions
Lifestyle Practices
Therapeutic Diets
Prophylactic Tailored Diet
Therapeutic Nutrition
Deterioration in Digestive Health and Elimination Systems
Common Gastrointestinal Upset
Swallowing Problems
Managing Diarrhea
Maintaining Gut Microbiome During Aging
Arthritis Flares and Pain Management
5. Managing Physical Wellbeing
Physical Changes
Menopause, Andropause and Hormonal Change
Weight Change
Muscle and Bone Change
Skin and Hair
Heart Changes
Breasts
Reproductive and Pelvic Changes
Heart Disease
Chronic Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure
Myocardial Infarction & Ischemia
Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis
Aneurysm
Vasculitis
Veinous thrombosis
Varicose Veins
Respiratory Disease
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Emphysema
Cystic Fibrosis
Ways to Optimise Health
Active Lifestyle, Diet and Obesity Control
Hypertension
Pollution and Smoking
Genetics
Changing Habits
Managing Deteriorating Mobility
Suppleness
Muscle Strengthening - Exercise
Hearing and Sight
6. Psychological and Social Wellbeing
Introduction to Psychological and Social Wellbeing
Difficulties Differ
Dementia
The Effect of Dementia
Social Support
Loneliness
Reducing Loneliness
Lifelong Learning
Benefits of Lifelong Learning - career, wellbeing & flexibility
7. Therapies
Introduction
Medication
Pros and Cons of Medication
Alternative Therapies
Microcurrent Treatments
Massage
Osteopathy
Physiotherapy
Hypobaric Oxygen Therapy
In Home Support
Psychotherapy and Counselling
Therapeutic Photography (Phototherapy)
Art and Craft Therapy
Therapeutic Writing
Ecotherapy
Pet Therapy
Horticultural Therapy
8. Interventions
Healthcare and Medical Interventions
Home Modifications
Assistive Devices and Technology
Social Support and Community Programs
Home Care Services
Caregiver Support and Respite Services
Financial and Legal Planning
Pain Related Interventions
Pain Related Depression
Causes of Pain - factors at play
Pain Management
Physical Activity
Mind-Body Techniques
Meditation fort Pain Management
Health Literacy
End of Life Care (Palliative Care)
Defence Mechanisms - Denial, Dependency, Displacement
Preparing for Approaching Death
Symptoms at End of Life -coolness, disorientation,breathing patterns, congestion, etc
Practical Preparations
Emotional Responses of Dying - withdrawal, visions,unusual communications, etc.
9. Making Activity and Environmental Adjustments
Sleep
Tips for Healthy Sleep
Safe Sleep in Elderly
Anxiety
Symptoms of Anxiety
Creative Ways to Deal with Anxiety
Stress Symptoms
Stress Management Techniques
Changing the Environment
Heating & Cooling
Changing Physical Environment
Smart Housing
Course Conclusion
Lesson Aims
- Describe influences on physical, cognitive, personal, and social development from middle-age onwards.
- Explain different methods of monitoring health in older people.
- Discuss how a person’s state of mind can be best assisted in adjusting to old age.
- Explain dietary issues associated with aging, and options for managing those issues.
- Explain physical issues associated with aging, and options for managing those issues.
- Describe options for managing the psychological and social wellbeing of older people.
- Explain the use of various therapeutic techniques for treating the effects of aging.
- Describe interventions that apply to changing circumstances in aging people.
- Identify and implement changes in the environment and day to day activities of a person as they move through the stages of aging.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to attend classes at a particular time and complete the course within a set time frame?
No to both questions. This course is very flexible.
Is this course focussed on career training or building personal skills?
Neither is mutually exclusive. This course focuses on making you aware of all the considerations and concerns that can come with aging; and the various mechanisms and techniques used for an aging person to adapt to the physical and psychological changes they encounter. By understanding these things anyone can benefit whether dealing with the elderly as a relative, friend, volunteer or health professional.
Does the course include practical work?
There are set tasks throughout the course that involves learning away from the desk, but for a course of this duration, it is not possible to teach all of the fundamentals properly and also require significant practical work experience. Nevertheless, we do encourage the ambitious and passionate student to consider volunteering in addition to these studies. Staff at our schools can advise you on how you might find volunteering opportunities.
How much support is provided while you study?
Academic and administration staff are on duty 5 days a week to provide any assistance you need - just ask. Assignments are submitted at the conclusion of each lesson; which are generally reviewed, marked and returned to you with commentary from academics and any questions answered. Through this formal dialogue, you are not only monitored and supported, but you have an opportunity to build a relationship with your tutor, reinfoicing what you study and strengthen your depth of learning.