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NMHS44040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Ageing and Health (NMHS44040)

Subject:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Ann Donohoe
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The proportion of the population aged 65 years and older is expected to rise to 22 per cent by 2041 (CSO 2016). This module examines ageing from the perspectives of health and positive ageing. It examines population demographic trends on ageing and societys attitudes to ageing and older people, including the phenomenon of ageism and its consequences. While most people experience health and a high quality of life as they grow older, some experience altered motor, sensory and/or cognitive function that may impact on their ability to live independently. Others may experience altered health with one or more concurrent health conditions. The module examines some of these health challenges and the role of the registered nurse in assessing and planning nursing care and related interventions to promote health and wellness in ageing.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion the candidate will be able to:
• Outline demographic trends of population ageing and discuss the benefits and challenges of a growing population of older people for contemporary society
• Analyse and evaluate Ireland’s key social and health policies as they apply to older people
• Examine the normal physiological factors of aging and their relationship with altered health in the context of patient care
• Identify and support the needs of the older person presenting with delirium, dementia and depression using validated screening tools to implement person-centred, evidence-based care
• Outline and provide appropriate, ethical and safe nursing care for the older person with frailty, with sensory and/or cognitive impairment and general functional decline
• Organise a comprehensive, person-centred approach in dealing with the age-related issues of co-morbidities; end of life-care; responsive behaviours and polypharmacy

Indicative Module Content:

Physiology of Healthy Ageing
Assessment of the older person
Sepsis and the older person
Safeguarding Vulnerable adults
Ageism
Altered health in older adulthood
Frailty and the older person
Prevention, Assessment and Management of Falls in the older population
Communication with the older person
Responsive behaviours and the older person
Medication and the older Person
Discharge Planning
Ethical Issues in Care of the older person
Palliative and end of life care for the older person

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

25

Seminar (or Webinar)

13

Specified Learning Activities

13

Autonomous Student Learning

199

Total

250


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Online Lectures
Autonomous student learning
Small Group
Specified Learning Activities
Workshops

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Student feedback will be given to students individually within the required time frame, as per Academic Regulations.

Name Role
Professor Corina Naughton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mary Ryder Lecturer / Co-Lecturer