LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course provides knowledge and skills related to the biological substrate of aging and longevity and the protection of the elderly. The parameters and conditions for the formation
of an individual, family and social environment that ensures conditions of active and healthy aging are examined.
The aim of the course is to educate students in understanding the biological mechanisms and parameters of aging, to recognize the progress of normal aging, well-being and longevity, the occurrence of geriatric syndromes with the accompanying morbid symptoms as well as the managing and treating of them.
The course aims to enable the student to realize his/her potential and role in shaping a healthy environment and lifestyle of aging and longevity, in the protection and support of elderly people with emphasis on self-care, independence, volunteering, adopting activities and behaviors that help individuals stay physically and mentally healthy, enhancing the family environment functionality, informing and linking them with the available – institutional orinformal – support services.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• understand the risk factors, the biological and psycho social parameters in aging and longevity.
• have knowledge of health issues that arise during the elderly period.
• Assess the health and welfare issues of elderly people and plan and carry out appropriate interventions aimed the protection of them.
• Use evaluation tools and methods for health and welfare needs.
• work autonomously and / or in cooperation with other health professionals in the context of providing health care services in the elderly.
• provide counseling and education on health issues that concern this age group with the ultimate goal of healthy and active aging.
• provide health care services of the elderly in the community and health facilities.
SYLLABUS
1. Morphological, neurochemical and clinical evidence of aging.
2. Definition and concepts of aging and longevity. Theories of aging. Telomeres.
3. Population ageing of its effects. Demography-Epidemiology.
4. Healthy & Active aging. Volunteering. The importance of retirement.
5. Longevity zones. Lifestyle.
6. Risk factors. Physical activity. Falls. Vaccinations.
7. Nutritional remarks in elderly. Malnutrition-Sarcopenia.
8. Evaluation of elderly health history. Peculiarities of pharmacotherapy
9. Geriatric Syndromes. Vulnerability syndrome. Body rest. Debilitation.
10. Sexuality in elderly. Urinary incontinence.
11. Dementia. Psychosocial problems.
12. Stress and mental health. Anxiety and depression in elderly.
13. Services – entities – Institutions. Health Facilities for the elderly.