Sociocultural Activities for Seniors

MODULE 1. AGING LESSON 1. DEFINING THE CONCEPT OF OLD AGE Definition of aging Population aging – Population aging trends – Concepts of longevity and maximum life expectancy – Different concepts of age Theories of aging – Stochastic theories – Non-stochastic theories Important disciplines in later life – Geriatrics and gerontology – Introduction to Psychogerontology TEACHING UNIT 2. CHARACTERISTIC PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AGING Changes in Human Physiognomy Resulting from Aging – Changes in Physical Appearance – Changes in body composition – Changes in vital signs – Changes in the sensory organs – Changes in the circulatory, digestive, and renal systems – Changes in the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems – Changes in the musculoskeletal system Characteristics of diseases in older adults – Most common diseases in older adults TEACHING UNIT 3. PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN OLD AGE General Aspects Emotional Changes – Processes of Loss: Grief – Evolution of Emotional Functioning. Explanatory Theories Self-Concept and Self-Esteem in Old Age Personality Changes Changes in Cognitive Functioning – Memory – Learning – Intellectual Functioning and Language Major Psychological Disorders in Old Age – Depression – Dementias MODULE 2. SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY TEACHING UNIT 4. RETIREMENT, LEISURE, AND FREE TIME AMONG THE ELDERLY Retirement – The Process – Determinants – Preparing for Retirement – Late Retirement Leisure and Free Time Among Older Adults – The Importance of Engaging in Activities – How They Spend Their Time – Factors Influencing Motivation for Activities TEACHING UNIT 5. SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, LEISURE, AND FREE TIME The Pedagogy of Leisure What Is Sociocultural Animation? – Characteristics of a Sociocultural Animator Planning Leisure and Free-Time Activities: Choosing the Right Techniques – General Guidelines for Using Group Techniques Play Physical Activity in the Natural Environment Group Dynamics – Applications to Different Areas of Social Life – Group Dynamics Techniques TEACHING UNIT 6. SOCIO-CULTURAL ANIMATION FOR SENIORS Historical Development of Sociocultural Animation Origins of Sociocultural Animation – What Is Sociocultural Animation? TEACHING UNIT 7. THE ROLE OF THE SOCIOCULTURAL ANIMATOR IN GERIATRICS The sociocultural activity leader – Who is the sociocultural activity leader? The Profession of Activity Leader – Roles of the activity leader – Styles used by activity leaders in their work Profiles of Activity Leaders Activity Dynamics TEACHING UNIT 8. DEVELOPING PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS FOR ACTIVITIES WITH ELDERLY PEOPLE Classification of Concepts – Definitions of plan, program, and project – The project as a unit of sociocultural intervention Developing Sociocultural Activity Projects – Proposal for the design of sociocultural activities projects – Key elements of a project Development process – Assessment and planning – Implementation – Evaluation MODULE 3. SOCIAL INTEGRATION IN OLD AGE TEACHING UNIT 9. SCOPE OF SOCIAL INTERVENTION AND INTEGRATION Need, Action, and Social Intervention – Social Intervention – Types of Social Needs and Demands Charitable, Benevolent, and Philanthropic Foundations of Social Action – Private Charity – State-Sponsored Charity – The Welfare State Charity and Social Action in Spain – The Beginnings of Public Charity in Spain – Democracy and the Creation of the Welfare State in Spain – Main Lines of Development of the Welfare State in Spain Scope of Action – Family and Children – Youth – Older Adults – Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses – Substance Abuse – Offenders and Immigration TEACHING UNIT 10. RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS Social Resources Available to the Elderly – In-Home Care Services – Telecare and Assistive Technologies – Intermediate and Respite Care Services (temporary stays and day centers) – Day Programs at Gerontological Centers – Day centers for dependent older adults Law on the Promotion of Autonomy and Care for Dependent Persons Associations and support groups TEACHING UNIT 11. APPLICATION OF TECHNIQUES TO FOSTER SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS Communication Intervention Strategies – Stages of the helping relationship Process for Selecting an Alternative Communication System Communication Resources – Active listening – Empathy – Assertiveness – Communication skills needed to address a group Alternative and Augmentative Communication Techniques for People with Physical, Motor, or Mental Disabilities Alternative and Augmentative Communication Techniques for People with Sensory Disabilities – Most Commonly Used Alternative and Augmentative Communication Systems for People with Sensory Disabilities Assistive Technology in Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Assistive Technology for Information and Signage – Assistive Technology in Alternative and Augmentative Communication – Assistive Technology for Information and Signage Techniques for Observing the Overall Progress of the Dependent Person Sensitivity to the Communication Problems of Dependent Persons