Social Inclusion in an Ageing Society

During the course, students analyse the social inclusion of individuals (and/or groups of individuals) in the context of ageing societies around the world, with a particular focus on the approaches and means of social inclusion of older people. Students study theories explaining the complexity of ageing and the position of older people in society. Various micro-macro factors and their interplay are analysed in relation to older people social exclusion. The concept of social inclusion and its genesis are explored. The course discusses the importance of social work in providing for the needs and rights of older people, recognising and combating ageism and neglect, and contributing to the reduction of social exclusion and the promotion of social inclusion. During the semester, students critically assess the sufficiency of social service networks and discuss the initiation of new services that would facilitate social inclusion of older people. During the seminars, interactive learning methods are used to enable students to try out the latest research-based models of gerontological social work interventions aimed at solving social problems and ensuring the well-being of older people.

To ensure that students are well aware of the complex factors that increase older people's risk of social exclusion and are able to specify the factors and measures that promote the social inclusion of older people, highlighting the importance of the social work profession for the empowerment, inclusion and well-being of older people.

Old age as a social construct. Social gerontology theories (disengagement, activity, continuity, modernization, social roles, social exchange, feminist, conflict theory, age stratification, political economy, life course, social constructionism, critical gerontology perspectives, etc.) and their application. The complexity of ageing process. Individual and social ageing. Demographic ageing: challenges and opportunities. Factors which construct the experience of old age (gender, race, socioeconomic status, social and cultural environments and etc.) and their practical significance. Gerontological social work theoretical models. Gerontological social work methods, professional roles. Gerontological social work process. Work with different clients groups: addicted, chronically ill older persons. Persons with intellectual, mental disabilities; sensory disorders; dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. LGBTQ+ older people. Older refugees and immigrants. Older people who experience social exclusion, neglect, abuse. The aim and means of different gerontological social work interventions. Biographical approach, live story. Solution-focused approach. Principles of cognitive-behaviour therapy. Crisis intervention. Trauma informed approach. Strengths perspective in gerontological social work. Principals of older persons counselling. Biopsychosocial assessment as a process and as a product. The empowerment of older people. Older adult as family member. Solidarity between generations. Formal and informal care. Integrated care. Active, successful, healthy ageing. Ageing in place. Older persons as resource. Silver economy. National legislation governing the provision of social support to older persons. International law relating to the welfare of older persons. Ageism as a multidimensional phenomenon. Ageism and its impact on the well-being of older people. Ways and means of overcoming ageism. The importance of reflection in gerontological social work practice. Stereotypes and myths about old age and ageing. The end of life. Death and dying. Social work with dying person and person who griefs.

1. Through the analysis of a biographical interview with an older person, explains at least three factors influencing the experience of ageing. Is able to explore the factors that cause or may cause social exclusion. 2. Identify at least two models of gerontological social work and the limits of their application for the well-being of older people. 3. At least three specific methods of gerontological social work and the process of their application are identified and described when performing case analysis. 4. At least two specific gerontological social work interventions in the case study are identified and described. 5. The project identifies a specific area of social care for older people. The project defines the complexity of the needs of older people. The project identifies at least one aspect of the project's innovativeness. It articulates ideas for improving existing legal instruments for the benefit of older people and for a more efficient provision of social support. 6. Identify at least three possible manifestations of ageism in the chosen area of support. Identify at least three ways of combating ageism.