Psychology of Aging

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
S. P. PUNE UNIVERSITY, PUNE

SEMESTER-IV

EP:451-PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING
(Major Elective)
(Credits-4)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

To acquaint the students with:

1. To clarify the concepts involved in aging
2. To provide detail theories of aging
3. To develop insight into the developmental changes in aging
4. To learn theoretical and empirical findings in aging.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the process of aging
2. Apprehend the biological and social influence in aging
3. Analyse the behavioral and psychological functions of aging
4. Promote the health interventions and research of aging.

1.0. INTRODUCTION OF AGING [15]

1.1. Concept of Geropsychology, characteristics and developmental changes in aging.
1.2. Theories of Aging: Biological, Psychological, and Sociocultural.
1.3. Age-Related Issues: Motor, memory, language, & emotions.
1.4. Indian Perspective of Aging

2.0. PERSONALITY, STRESS ANF COPING IN AGING [15]

2.1. Personality and Successful Aging
2.2. Selection, Optimization and Compensation Model of Successful Aging.
2.3. Stress & Aging: Dimensions of stressful events in aging.
2.4. Coping & Aging: Religious and spiritual coping, types of coping, external resources coping; social support, family support.

3.0. AGING AND HEALTH [15]

3.1. Physical health and aging; Health risk behavior and aging.
3.2. Disorders of Aging: Anxiety, Depression, Substance abuse, and psychotic disorders in elderly.
3.3. Disorders of Cognition in Aging: Delirium and Dementia; symptoms and etiology.
3.4. Issues Affecting the Mental of the Elderly.

4.0. SOCIOENVIRONMENTAL AND WELLNESS IN OLD AGE [15]

4.1. Social & Family Networks: Social support, Spouse, Children
4.1. Institutional and Non-Institutional Living; Nursing homes, old-age homes, special apartments.
4.3. State and Public Policies: Social assistance, social insurance, pension, health and medical care support.
4.4. Health Promoting Activities: Managing stress, exercise, yoga, meditation & mental health interventions.

Books for Readings:

1. Birren, J. E. and Schaie, K. W. (2001). Handbook of the Psychology of Aging (5th Eds.). Academic Press: London.
2. Comer, R. J. (2007). Abnormal Psychology, (6th Eds.). Worth Publishers.
3. Elizabeth, B. Hurlock (1981). Developmental Psychology: A Life-Span Approach. (5 Eds). Tata McGraw-Hill: Delhi.
4. Eyetsemitan, F. E., and Gire, J. T. (2003). Aging and Adult Development in the Developing World: Applying Western Theories and Concepts. Library of Congress.
5. Feldman, R. S., & Babu, N. (2011). Discovering the Life Span. Pearson.
6. Johnson, M., & Walker, J. (2016). Spiritual Dimensions of Aging, (Ed.), Cambridge University Press: UK.
7. Schulz, R. (2006). The Encyclopaedia of Aging: A Comprehensive Resource in Gerontology and Geriatrics, (4th Eds.). Springer Publishing Company, Inc.
8. Taylor, S. E. (1999). Health Psychology, (4th Eds.). McGraw-Hill International (Ed.) Psychology Series.