Lesson Structure:  Healthy Aging BPS226

There are 9 lessons:

1.  The Aging Process

• Introduction: – the Aging Process
• Biological Definition of Death
• Approaches to Resilient Aging
• Gender Disparities in Aging
• Physical Changes & Development
• Cognitive Changes & Development
• Personal Changes & Development
• Social Changes & Development

2. Monitoring Health

• Introduction
• Health Events and Specialists
• Control of the Heart and Lungs During Exercise
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Disorders
• Weight and Obesity
• The Use of Diuretics
• Over Counter Medicines & Prescription Drugs

3. Adapting to a Different Mindset

• Psychological Wellbeing
• Adjusting to Growing Older
• Loss Aversion
• Bridge’s Transition Model of Change
• Habit and the Brain
• Grief and Aging
• Types of Grief

4. Managing Diet

• Introduction to Healthy Eating
• Food Pyramids
• Food Plates
• Frequency of Eating
• Healthy Digestion
• Developing Routines for Optimal Digestion and Nutritional Health
• Deterioration in Digestive Health and Elimination Systems

5. Managing Physical Wellbeing

• Physical Changes
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disease
• Ways to Optimise Health

6. Psychological and Social Wellbeing

• Introduction to Psychological and Social Wellbeing
• Difficulties Differ
• Dementia
• The Effect of Dementia
• Social Support
• Benefits of Lifelong Learning

7. Therapies

• Introduction
• Medication
• Alternative Therapies
• Psychotherapy and Counselling
• Creative, Eco- and Pet Assistance Therapies

8. Interventions

• Healthcare and Medical Interventions
• Pain Related Interventions
• Health Literacy
• End of Life Care (Palliative Care)
• Preparing for Approaching Death

9. Making Activity and Environmental Adjustments

• Sleep
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Changing the Environment
• Course Conclusion

Please Note:   At the end of each lesson there is an assignment to complete and submit to your Tutor for grading and marking and returned with tailored feedback, comments and extra reading if necessary.

Learning Goals:   Healthy Aging  BPS226

• Describe influences on physical, cognitive, personal, and social development from middle-age onwards.
• Explain different methods of monitoring health in older people.
• Discuss how a person’s state of mind can be best assisted in adjusting to old age.
• Explain dietary issues associated with aging, and options for managing those issues.
• Explain physical issues associated with aging, and options for managing those issues.
• Describe options for managing the psychological and social wellbeing of older people.
• Explain the use of various therapeutic techniques for treating the effects of aging.
• Describe interventions that apply to changing circumstances in aging people.
• Identify and implement changes in the environment and day to day activities of a person as they move through the stages of aging.

Monitoring Health Events and Specialists

Health events do occur and the need to see a medical specialist can arise more often as you age. A health event could be anything from breathlessness or fainting, to diabetes, severe back pain or a cancer scare. Such events can lead to investigations, diagnosis and/or treatment by a specialist physician.

Some serious conditions may require ongoing treatments for life. Others might not. Even in the case of issues that are overcome (e.g., cancer going into remission); the probability of an occurrence is likely to be an ongoing risk, hence periodic investigations, and monitoring (e.g., scans or blood tests), may be advised.

For older people, it can become unsettling to be investigated with equipment and techniques which they are unfamiliar with, then have results explained to them which they are challenged to understand.

It is a heathier and less stressful situation for an aged person to understand what they are going through; and to be aware that their loved ones also understand. In the case of serious events, ensure the aged person is accompanied to physician appointments by a relative or friend who has the capacity to grasp and remember details provided by the physician.

Blood Tests

Complete Blood Count – A calculation of the cellular (formed elements) of blood; generally determined by specially designed machines that analyse the different components of blood in less than a minute. Also known as a Full Blood Count or FBC.

Radiology (Xray, MRI, CAT Scan, PET Scan)

CAT (Computerised Axial Tomography) Scanning is a procedure that produces images of structures within the body created by a computer that takes data from multiple X-ray images and turns them in pictures on a screen.

Xray – The data arising out of these tests can be useful in supporting a diagnosis. However, the radiologist’s reports can only focus on what was seen in the scan. They are unlikely to hold all the contextual data provided by the detailed case history.

These are frequently the diagnostic method of choice when skeletal injuries are suspected, although they can also be used to diagnose tumours and some other soft tissue disorders. An X ray will produce a ‘negative’ of the internal structures of the back, with any fractures (for example) appearing as voids in the related areas.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR/MRI) is non-invasive imaging technology. It can provide comprehensive information on brain anatomy and function. It can also be used on other parts of the body such as soft tissues of muscles and ligaments, nerves, or cartilage.

PET (positron emission tomography) Scanning is a powerful imaging model. It provides detailed assessment of anatomical or functional abnormalities seen in the central nervous system – usually the brain. It can provide detection and understanding of conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia (and normal aging).

Other Diagnostics
Colonoscopy – Procedure using a viewing tube that enables an examiner to evaluate the appearance of the inside of the colon (the part of the large intestine between the caecum and the rectum). The suffix refers to the instrument used, the prefix to the area being examined.

Coronary Angiogram – The most precise method for evaluating and defining coronary artery disease (CAD). Angio refers to the blood vessels, coronary to the heart.

Arthroscopy – Surgical procedure where the internal structure of the joints is examined for diagnosis and/or treatment. The prefix Arthro refers to the joint, the suffix refers to the hollow, lighted instrument (scope) used to view the internal area.

Bone Density Scan – A screening and monitoring test for osteoporosis and bone density.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.