This subject covers the theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of ageing, drawn from various disciplines. It will examine the causes and consequences of ageing at the micro (individual) and macro (population) levels. This subject also focuses on investigating the social, physical, and mental changes humans undergo as they age, as well as the impact of the elderly population on the social, economic, and political institutions in Singapore.  Topics will include biological theories of ageing, psychological and spiritual aspects of ageing, characteristics of the social dimensions of ageing, the 8 Dimensions of Well-Being assessment tool and health promotion programmes for the maintenance of wellness.

This subject focuses on the changes that occur in the human body because of ageing, including alterations in anatomy and physiology, as well as the implications for health and disease. Topics will include characteristics and theories on biological ageing, physiological changes in ageing, and age-related chronic disorders of pertinent organ systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, sensory and urinary systems. The concept of healthy ageing and the critical role of health promotion and disease prevention strategies for longevity will also be addressed.

This subject provides an overview of the theory and practice of social science research. The focus is to provide basic skills to conduct scientific inquiry, especially in programme evaluation. Topics covered include the theoretical foundation of social research, research ethics, literature review, and applied qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The subject provides an introduction to the life course approach to health, i.e., the cumulative impact of early life risk exposure on health in later life, and the importance of population-level interventions in building healthy communities. Special focus will be on the implications of an ageing population on public health, and Singapore’s policy responses to associated challenges. The subject covers a range of topics related to the health and well-being of older adults, including epidemiology, healthcare delivery, policy interventions, and health communications.

This subject delves into the complex structural, physiological, and functional changes of late adulthood, focusing on their impact on the well-being of older adults. Topics include assessment and the creation of well-rounded personalised exercise programmes for older adults to mitigate the risk of frailty and falls and bolster functional independence in the community. Strategies and devices to promote independence in older adults with frailty will also be introduced, to enable well-being.

This subject addresses the various key steps in programme planning, development, implementation, and evaluation in the context of health promotion. Topics include foundations of programme planning tools, health promotion models & theories and an ecological approach to needs assessment.

This subject focuses on prevalent mental health disorders among older adults, with a special emphasis on dementia, its impact on individuals, families and society. Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of person-centred dementia care, delivered through classroom learning and on-site work-based learning, to promote mental well-being and enhance the quality of life of individuals with dementia. The subject also explores non-pharmacological approaches, and emerging trends and technologies for improving dementia care.

This subject introduces the principles of coaching and case management to assess needs and evaluate options, services and programmes required to meet individual-specific needs. Multidisciplinary approaches are introduced and the subject examines social, cultural and psychological perspectives and appropriate strategies to achieve goals and empower the older adult.

This subject explores the interdisciplinary field of gerontechnology, which combines gerontology and technology. It focuses on understanding the connection between older people and technology, and how appropriate design and new technologies can be leveraged to promote independent living, autonomy, and support networks for the elderly to improve quality of ageing. Students will also learn behaviour design principles that can be used to customise programs and services to encourage health-promoting behaviours among older adults.

This subject consists of classroom learning and a practicum component. It covers key counselling skills, approaches and interventions commonly used in working with older adults. Students will be equipped with tools to assess, intervene, and provide psychological support to older adults. Students will embark on a practicum to apply the skills learnt.

This subject consists of classroom learning and a practicum component. It examines the role of the family in the older person’s experience of ageing and approaches to collaborate with the family unit to co-create solutions. Changing norms and values that influence interactional dynamics within the family system will also be explored. Students will embark on a practicum to apply the skills learnt.

This subject consists of classroom learning and a practicum component. It provides knowledge and skills required to assess older adults’ health status and assist with nursing care, therapeutic exercises and mobility training. Students will embark on a practicum to apply the skills learnt. Topics include medication administration, assistance with activities of daily living and measurement of vital signs, ambulation and transfers, falls prevention and groupwork facilitation.

This subject teaches the fundamental skills required in junior executive roles in purpose-driven entities, especially those in the ageing sector. This also involves examining demonstrated strategies to achieve sustainability in various organisational types such as non-profits, social enterprises and profit-with-a-purpose companies. Topics cover volunteer management and retention, cross-sector collaboration, measuring social impact, client-centric values, fundraising, resource mobilisation, risk management, and social innovation.

This subject examines the skills, roles and responsibilities of an effective team leader in the non-profit sector. Students will be exposed to practical and contextualised learning through job shadowing with relevant organisations.

The subject will provide an understanding of the principles and approaches to community development and how these can be applied to work with older adults to address some of their major challenges. Students will be introduced to the methodologies of community development that will enable them to design intervention programmes that also harnesses the potential of older adults.