Module Code: H8POA
Long Title Psychology of Ageing
Title Psychology of Ageing
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Michelle Kelly
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer with PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and evaluate key theories and concepts related to the psychology of ageing; and consider how theory and research can inform applied interventions and policy.
LO2 Gain an in-depth understanding of factors associated with healthy cognitive ageing and dementia prevention.
LO3 Critically evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial, health and behavioural interventions in improving outcomes for older adults (including those living with dementia and their carers).
LO4 Develop skills associated with the analysis of secondary data (e.g. TILDA)
LO5 Critically evaluate key methodological approaches to conducting research and analysing data in the field of ageing.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Key theories and concepts in the psychology of ageing
Demographic ageing Challenging the assumption of universal decline Successful, Normal, and Pathological Aging Biopsychosocial models Lifespan theories of psychological ageing
Ageing and cognition
Structural changes to the ageing brain: age-related versus pathological change Age-related cognitive decline Alzheimer’s disease and dementia Neuropsychological assessment of older adults Dementia prevention and brain health: promoting cognitive reserve across the lifespan Cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation
Psychosocial, health, and behavioural factors that impact ageing
Psychosocial risk factors in later life Loneliness and social isolation Exercise, cognition and health Chronic disease and multimorbidity: health behaviours and self-management of age-related conditions (guest speaker) Age stereotypes and positive ageing Age-related transitions: family life, work and retirement Intergenerational relationships Health inequalities, socioeconomic status and ageing
Methodological considerations for the study of psychological ageing
Longitudinal designs – guest speaker from TILDA Modelling change Emerging methodological trends
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
CA is an assignment based on publicly accessible version of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) dataset. Students will be given a research question (e.g., what factors are associated with healthy cognitive ageing) which they must investigate using the TILDA data. Students should write a report on their findings including suggestions for related interventions for older adults.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
Should students fail the module, they will be required to resubmit the continuous assessment.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 113 Per Semester 9.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Schaie, K.W. & Willis, S.L. (2021), Handbook of the Psychology of Ageing, 9th Ed. Elsevier Inc.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Barnes, D.E. & Yaffe, K. (2011), The projected effect of risk factor reduction on Alzheimer's disease prevalence, Lancet Neurology.
  • Craik, F. M. & Salthouse, T.A. (2015), The Handbook of Aging and Cognition, 3rd Ed. Psychology Press.
  • Livingston, G. (2020), Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission, The Lancet.
  • Stern, Y. (2021), How can cognitive reserve promote cognitive and neurobehavioral health? Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Learners are also encouraged to source relevant journal articles using NCI’s library databases. Where appropriate, links to specific papers and/or other resources will be included on Moodle by the lecturer.
Discussion Note: