Class Intervention in Social Gerontology

Given contemporary demographic dynamics and the marked ageing of the population, Social Work plays a pivotal role in accompanying and supporting older adults. In this context, this Course Unit is of relevance in the training of future professionals. Gerontology, as a scientific field dedicated to addressing current longevity challenges, stands out as a domain of knowledge inseparable from Social Work practice. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to develop specific competencies for a qualified, critical social intervention tailored to the reality of ageing and old age.

Not applicable

1.  Demographic and Epistemological Framework: Demographic transition and indicators (longevity, dependency); emergence and consolidation of Gerontology.   2.  Conceptual Approaches: Ages of aging, biopsychosocial determinants, ageism, and social stereotypes.   3.  Social Protection and Support Networks: Role of the State, institutions, and family; social services in Portugal and the Informal Caregiver Statute.   4.  Health, Quality of Life, and Well-Being: Functional capacity, intervention in dependency, autonomy, assisted living, and gerontechnology.   5.  Sociability and Participation: Interpersonal networks, active aging, senior universities, and community inclusion.   6.  Intervention in Social Work: Diagnostic models, professional practices, family mediation, and ethics in old age.   7.  Research in Gerontology: Data collection methodologies and scientific projects.    

  The Course Unit adopts a model based on active methodologies, critical and reflective thinking, and Problem-Based Learning. The semester is organized into theoretical-practical sessions and applied dynamics:   Diagnosis of Representations and Critical and Reflective Thinking: Creative writing exercises using everyday objects to deconstruct ageism and analyze the determinants of ageing. Sessions with Professionals (3 classes): Experience sharing with guest Social Workers for the discussion of practical and complex cases in the field of Gerontology. Project-Based Learning (Fieldwork): Interviews (life histories of older adults or perceptions of prejudice among young people) for empirical data collection and analysis in Social Work. Presentation Sessions: Presentation and discussion of group work, promoting students' reflexivity and autonomy

Bastos, A.; Faria, C.; Gonçalves, D.; Lourenco, H. (2015). Envelhecimento ao longo da vida e prática gerontológica: algures entre o pronto-a-vestir e o fato à medida?in Revista Exedra, pp.10-28. Câmara, S. B. (2019). "A institucionalização da gerontologia nos EUA e em Portugal". In Geriatria e Gerontologia no século XXI. SPGG. Canhão, H., Gil, P., Barros, P.,Branco, J. (2022).Desafios do Envelhecimento para Saúde, a Economia e a Sociedade. Editora Principia  Fernández-Ballesteros, R. (2004). Gerontologia Social. Ediciones Piramide Moreira, M. (2020). Como Envelhecem os Portugueses — Envelhecimento, Saúde, Idadismo. Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos Pinto,C.P. & Pinto, H.R. (2021). Envelhecimento: Dimensões e Contextos.Universidade Católica Editora Rosa, M. J. V. (2020). Um Tempo Sem Idades: Ensaio sobre o envelhecimento da população. Tinta da China