Development and Intervention in Adulthood and Elderly

Recommended Prerequisites

All previous subjects and good domain of the language.

Teaching Methods

Dynamic teaching methods with theory and practice, lectures , followed by students’ group reflection, supported by learning material indicated or given by the teacher. Analysis and discussion of texts and practical situations are examples of other methods used.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will have a greater understanding of:

 

1.interdisciplinary perspectives of adult development and aging;

2. Biological, cognitive, psychosocial, and affective changes of the adults and older adults;

3. the psychological, cultural and societal implications resulting from the growth of the aging population;

4. special problems facing the aging individual such as unemployment, precariat, poverty, isolation, elder abuse, suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.         Introduction:  Conceptions of adulthood and the life course

2.         Theories and Models of Human development: from emerging adulthood to adulhood and late adulthood.

3.         Themes and Issues in Adult Development and Aging

4.         Transition from the emergency of adulthood into adulthood

5.         Characteristics of adulhood

6.         Physical changes

7.         Cognitive changes

8.         Continuity and change in personality traits over the life course.

9.         Wisdom, expertise, and creativity

10.       Health and well-being

11.       Social relationhips and intimacy

12.       Love and the family

13.       Work, Retirement, and Leisure Patterns

14.       Transition from work to retirement

15.       Positive Aging

16.       Problems in late adulhood: poverty, isolation, physical abuse, suicide, substance abuse, and mental health.

Head Lecturer(s)

Joaquim Armando Gomes Alves Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 10.0%
Critical review of journal article: 10.0%
Synthesis work: 80.0%

Bibliography

Anderson, M., Goodman, J., & Schlossberg, N. (2012). Counseling adults in transition: linking Schlossberg’s theory with practice in a diverse world, 4th ed. New York: Springer.

Bjourklund, B.R. (2015). The Journey of Adulthood, 8th Edition. Florida Atlantic University: Pearson.

Fry, P. S., & Keyes, C. (2010). New frontiers in resilient aging: Life-strengths and well-being in late life. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Kegan, R. (1994).  In over our heads, Cambridge: Harvard Univ. Press.

Simões, A. (2006). A nova velhice: um novo público a formar. Coimbra: Coimbra Almedina.

Simões, A., Lima, M., P. Vieira, C. M. C., Ferreira, J. A., Oliveira, A. L., Alcoforado, L., Neto, F. F. M., Ruiz, F., Cardoso, A. P., Felizardo, S., & Sousa, L. N. (2006). Promover o bem-estar dos idosos: Um estudo experimental. Psychologica, 42, 115-131.

Whitbourne, S. K. (2001). Adult development and aging. New York: John Eiley and Sons, Inc.