Psychology of Ageing (PSY382) Course Notes

  • Course Overview

    • Course: Psychology of Ageing (PSY382)
    • Instructor: Dr. Ji Shuman, PhD
    • Contact: shuman.ji@kaplan.com
    • University: Murdoch University

  • Cultural Acknowledgement

    • Murdoch University acknowledges it is on the lands of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Noongar people.
    • Respect for Noongar elders and their culture is emphasized.

  • Essential Textbook

    • Cavanaugh, J.C. (2023). Adult Development and Aging. Cengage Learning. ISBN: 978-0-357-79627-6

  • Course Schedule Overview

    • Week 1: Introduction to ageing and older adulthood
    • Week 2: Research methods with older adults
    • Week 3: Biophysiological and neuroscience of ageing
    • Week 4: Psychophysics of ageing
    • Week 5-6: Cognitive functions and cognitive disorders
    • Week 7-8: Social cognition, work, memory functions, and mental health
    • Week 9-10: Personality change with ageing and psychological disorders
    • Week 11-12: Healthy psychological ageing, coping with death and bereavement

  • Assessments Overview

    • 3 Online quiz activities (15%)
    • Research Update Conference Presentation (15%)
    • Research Review Report (2500 words, 40%)
    • Final Exam (40%)

  • Historical Context of Ageing Psychology

    • 1835: Adolphe Quetelet studied human features across ages.
    • 1884: Francis Galton measured physical and mental functions across ages.
    • 1922: G. Stanley Hall’s book “Senescence: The Second Half of Life” contributed to the field.
    • Development of lifespan psychology began with Charlotte Buhler's work in 1933.
    • Milestones in ageing studies include the establishment of gerontological societies.

  • Definitions Related to Age and Ageing

    • Chronological Age: Age measured in time elapsed since birth.
    • Biological Age: Comparison of an individual’s health and biological state against expected norms.
    • Psychological Age: How effectively a person adapts to changes and maintains a directed lifestyle.
    • Functional Age: Ability to perform daily tasks compared to peers.
    • Subjective Age: How old individuals perceive themselves to be.
    • Ageism: Discrimination against older adults based on age stereotypes.

  • Demographics of Older Adults

    • Projected increase of the global population aged over 60 from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050.
    • Increased life expectancy trends between various regions, typically higher in developed nations.
    • Emergence of unique health challenges facing older adults.

  • Key Theoretical Models of Ageing

    • Successful Ageing: Models by Rowe and Kahn focus on maximizing gains and minimizing losses in ageing.
    • Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC): Focus on adaptation strategies to maintain or improve functioning despite losses.
    • Ecological Model of Ageing: Emphasizes interaction between individual abilities and environmental demands.
    • Tripartite Contextual Approach: Considers past, present, and future influences on an individual in the context of their ageing experience.

  • Core Issues in Ageing Psychology

    • Study of normative and non-normative influences on ageing.
    • Family and social dynamics as well as societal expectations related to age impact psychological health.
    • Exploration of how health and psychological conditions evolve significantly with age.

  • Research Review and Presentation Guidelines

    • Emphasis on understanding literature and constructing meaningful arguments through summaries.
    • APA style required; Critical analysis of past studies is necessary.