University to offer new subjects on ageing

University to offer new subjects on ageing

Queensland Health Minister Wendy Edmond will launch two new University of Queensland ageing studies subjects at room 34, first floor, Mayne Medical School, Herston, on Tuesday, February 16 at 10am.

The University is offering the ageing studies subjects to help health care professionals and others meet the growing challenges presented by the "greying" of Australia.

The subjects, Healthy Ageing and Aged Care Policy and Services, widen the educational options for those involved in caring for older people, the focus of the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP).

The Healthy Ageing Unit in the University's Social and Preventive Medicine Department developed the subjects.

Healthy Ageing Unit director Dr Margaret Steinberg said the subjects, part of the Graduate Health Studies Program, would be offered in flexible learning mode.

The Healthy Ageing subject was written by unit staff, coordinated by researcher Colleen Cartwright. An advisory committee was drawn from Social and Preventive Medicine and other University departments, government and non-government bodies, including organisations representing older people.

Dr Steinberg said a principal aim is of the subject was to promote the understanding that health was more than the absence of disease. The subject covered physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues and was divided into eight topics - Definitions and Meanings; Demographics; Work Retirement and Life-Long Learning; Legal and Ethical Issues; Health and Well-Being; Community Care; Rural Ageing and Policy.

The Aged Care Policy and Services subject focuses on the "frail" aged and views the aged care system from a public health perspective. Its goal is to equip health professionals and others for the demands of the rapidly-expanding field of health and community services.

President of the Australian Association of Gerontology Dr Anna Howe prepared the subject. Dr Howe has extensive experience in teaching, research and policy development in aged care in Australia and internationally.

The subject explores the ideas behind the provision of aged care services in Australia, and the processes by which the ideas are translated into policy and practice.

Dr Steinberg said the subject was aimed at people already involved in aged care, and those who wished to enter the field. It spanned nursing, sociology, psychology, health administration, political science and health services.

Its four parts - Introduction to Aged Care; Program development and delivery of aged care services; Critical Issues in aged care; and Future Directions - include 13 topics.

Dr Steinberg said both subjects would contribute to the education of health care and other professionals, including policy makers and program managers facing the challenge of responding to an ageing population in a rapidly changing world.

For more information, contact Dr Steinberg telephone (07) 3365 5424.