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‘Population Ageing’ is an optional module for Year 3 students on the BSc Population Health Sciences programme. The module examines key concepts of epidemiology and public health in the context of increasing longevity and demographic change. It provides an understanding of global population ageing patterns and trends across physical and psychosocial domains (e.g. cognitive ageing or changes in social roles and relationships), including the significance of various age-associated chronic conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular disease. The overall aim of this module is to provide an overview of the health and social challenges associated with ageing as a process, as well as the opportunities ageing presents and the implications for policy. Students will be introduced to different theoretical perspectives on ageing, their applications in scientific research, and the methodology used, providing various examples from the major ageing cohort studies on ageing in the UK and elsewhere. Overall, this module provides a multidisciplinary perspective, with a principal focus on health and wellbeing alongside introductions to the social and economic implications of an ageing population.

Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

• The links between ageing, health, and wellbeing across the life course;
• The contribution of the major UK and international cohort studies to the scientific study of ageing and health;
• The potential economic and social implications of ageing for societies, health systems, social policies, and family relationships;
• How population ageing patterns and experiences vary across different national and cultural contexts;
• The significance of non-communicable diseases in later life such as cardiovascular disease and dementia;
• The relationships between mental health and physical health;
• The importance of biomarkers and lifestyle on ageing research;
• The role of social and economic phenomena such as ageism, retirement, and caregiving in shaping health in later life and generating inequalities.

In addition, students will also have developed the following through their participation in this module:

• Critical appraisal skills through appraising the methodological quality of ageing-related research
• Written communication skills through the preparation of assessed coursework
• Oral presentation skills through the formative activity

This is an optional advanced module open to Year 3 students on the BSc Population Health Sciences Programme. There is availability for ÐÂÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûelective students from other departments. However, spaces are limited and are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis on Portico.

Teaching will take place in Term 2 in the form of classroom-based lectures, small group work, guest lectures, and panel discussions.

Module Leads: Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý