Here is an Example of What You Will Learn in the Course - People Change when they Get Old
Growing old is both natural and unavoidable. Everyone gets older, and as you age, you change both physically and mentally.
- Understanding these changes can help an older person to accept and adapt to what is happening to them.
- An understanding of these changes can help carers provide better support for the elderly.
During the course, you will study topics, such as - Cognitive changes are only one area of change for the Elderly
Older people may fear ageing because they fear that they will ‘lose’ their intellect, leading to cognitive impairment and irrational behaviour. However, intellectual decline is not an inevitable consequence of a person ageing. Research shows that a loss of general cognitive function does not necessarily occur as a result of ageing, and even where it does occur, it is not necessarily disruptive. Older adults will:
- Tend to learn more slowly.
- Perform less well than younger adults on tasks that involve memorising something or using imagination.
- But they will make up for this in terms of their practical knowledge based on life experience.
Older adults sometimes complain about not being able to remember things as well as they did when they were younger. This appears to be due to sensory storage problem in the short-term memory rather than long term memory processes. This will result in older people finding it harder to remember new names and places than they do in remembering older names and places.
Repetition and practice and can help minimise memory decline and the reduction in other cognitive functions. Older adults can improve their scores in memory ability tests after only a few hours training. Examples of activities that can help make a difference to the cognitive and memory functions of older adults include:
- Having hobbies
- Learning to use a computer
- Working on puzzles and crosswords
- Reading
- Learning new things.
Over recent years, there has been an increased interest from older adults in continuing their education. Many colleges and community centres will offer classes for older people. This shows that older people are willing and able to continue learning.
Depression
A depressive disorder is an illness, involving mood, body and thoughts. It affects the way a person sleeps, eats, feels about themselves and other things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing sad mood, nor is it a sign of personal weakness that the person can push away. People with depressive illnesses cannot just ‘pull themselves together’, they need treatment and support, which can last for weeks, months or years.
The three most common forms of depression are:
- Unipolar or Major Depression - where the person has a combination of symptoms that interfere with their ability to enjoy life, sleep, eat, study and work. This type of depression may occur only once or several times during a lifetime.
- Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression, with long-term chronic symptoms that do not disable, but which prevent the person from feeling good or from functioning well. They may also experience major depressive episodes at some point during their lives.
Bipolar Disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder is characterised by cycling mood changes of severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). If untreated, it can deteriorate into a psychotic state.
What Are the Advantages of Studying Psychology with ACS Distance Education?
- You can start at any time to suit you.
- The courses are self-paced.
- You can study when and where suits you. They are flexible to fit in around you and your lifestyle.
- It is not just a course, it is a package of learning that includes – course notes, tutor feedback, self-assessment tests, research tasks and assignments.
- Our tutors are all experts in their field, with years of experience in psychology and counselling.
- They are also keen and enthusiastic about their subject and enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge and skills.
- Courses are also updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing needs for knowledge and to keep our courses up to date.
Student Testimonials
"[Work marked] promptly and with comments that show detailed reading of my work. I have been impressed by the quick turn-around time and the feedback Having the course structured into 9 lessons has been helpful for me in approaching the course and fitting it into a busy schedule. I have been learning a great deal and receiving constructive feedback."
Deana Efraemson - Aged Care and Counselling course.
"Yes, it was [a valuable learning experience]. I have been a nurse for over 25 years and my knowledge regarding ageing and in particular, healthy ageing was practically non-existent. I enjoyed some aspects of the counselling."
Sue Payne, Aged Care and Counselling course.
What Next?
Study this course to –
- Develop your knowledge of the changes people experience as they age.
- Understand how to support older people as they go through the aging process.
This course aims to develop your understanding of the ageing process, and your ability to help others cope more effectively with aged people in their lives.
- It is designed to be useful for counselling and other care professions or anyone involved with elderly people in any other way, formally or informally.
- The course is an excellent way to improve your support of older people and as a way to improve your career prospects.
- Gain an excellent start to the process of retraining or improving your career prospects with this course.
- Study with support from our experienced tutors.
You can enrol today by clicking the “Enrol Now” button above.
Or
Click here to Contact a Psychology Tutor.
Or Request a Prospectus Here.