Palliative Care: Mental Health Issues of Older Adults Module 1 - Theories of Aging

Description:

This study is part of a series of studies on palliative care for mental health professionals. The studies can be studied as stand alone topics or may be taken in sequence for a more comprehensive exploration of the topic.

This module will cover:

Module One is designed to give a bio-psychosocial overview of older adulthood including theories of aging, and the processes of normal aging. This CE offering may be used in fulfillment of the Florida license renewal requirement for domestic violence if taken on an alternate biennium (for psychologists, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists).

Module Two: Common mental health problems of the elderly, covers demographics of the elder population and common mental and behavioral health problems encountered in older populations.

Module Three: Care giving and care delivery. Among the more compelling concerns are end-of-life issues. The offering discusses advance directives and the concept of medical futility and the common problems associated with these decisions.

Module Four Contextual Issues of Elder Care discusses issues of Other contextual issues such as diversity concerns, ageism, therapeutic nihilism and gerophobia are discussed. Training recommendations for providers of care to the elderly are provided.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe normal aging across eight biological systems

2. Participants will be able to identify a variety of theories on aging

Purpose

Learners should obtain a foundation for understanding of the older adult population and their mental health needs. The study should enhance sensitivity to and awareness of perceptions and expectations of aging and the aged.