UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS
B.Sc. DEGREE COURSE IN PSYCHOLOGY
SEMESTER SYSTEM WITH CREDITS
(Effective from the Academic Year 2003-2004)

SYLLABUS

Semester V - Core XI - Geriatric Psychology

Chapter I:

Field and Scope of Geropsychology; Demographics & Aging: birth & death rates, sex ratio, life expectancy, impact of population aging in India and the world - Implications; A brief overview of the theories of aging

Chapter II:

Developmental tasks in old age, Physical and physiological changes in old age; Cognitive changes in old age: psychomotor changes; Health in old age - common diseases during old age

Chapter III:

Views of Erickson, Peck & Vaillant: Approaches to successful aging; personality and patterns of aging; surviving a spouse Adjustment to retirement & reduced income Attitude towards the aged and aging in the community

Chapter IV:

The Aged in the family: Adjustment with adult children, Roles & responsibilities of the family; family management Of elder care. Caregivers' stress.

Chapter V:

Organization of Elder care Services: Jmpact of changing Scenario of contemporary Indian culture on elder care; Community and social supports in the care of the elderly NGOs in elder Care, Living in institutions, Improving the Quality Of life, Welfare programmes for the aged; policy towards the aged

Visit to old age homes to understand the care needs of the elderly and the community support available for them must be arranged.

REFERENCE

1.Hurlock,E.B. (1980) Developmental Psychology, Tata McGraw Hill Co
2. Biswas, S.K. (1987) Aging in contemporary India, The Indian Anthropological Society, Calcutta
3. Papalia, Diane E, Olds, Sally Wendoks(1992): Human Development, Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Co
4. Srinivasan,K.(1998) Basic Demogrphic Techniques and applications, New Delhi Sage India & Vistage, Pvt Ltd.

Recommended reading:

1.Gokhale, S.D., Ramamurti, P.V., Pandit, N. & Pandal, B. (1999) Ageing in India, Murnbai, Somaiga Pubs Pvt Ltd
2. Birren, J.E. & Schaie, W. (1996) Handbook of Psychology of Aging, New York: Academic Press
3. Chakravarthy, I.(1997) Life in Twilight Years, Calcutta: Kwality Books Co