Diversity Among Older People: Competence for Age-Friendly Services

Upon completing the study unit:

• You will be able to identify and describe the diversity of older people and its significance in the social and healthcare sector.
• You will be able to identify and assess phenomena related to equality, discrimination, and vulnerability, and to recognise the key legislation relevant to the topic.
• You will be able to recognise the significance of your own values, attitudes, and position of power when working with older people.
• You will be able to identify barriers to the accessibility of services and the importance of tailored service guidance and counselling in customer work.
• You will be able to recognise the needs for developing and leading future services from the perspectives of equality and age-friendliness.

Older people do not constitute a homogeneous group—and for precisely that reason, developing age-friendly services requires diverse competence. In this study unit, you will acquire the skills to understand the diversity and equality of older people and to reflect on your own professional practice when working with ageing people.

During the study unit, you will explore in greater depth how increasing population diversity is manifested in the social and health care sector and what requirements this places on encounters, services, and leadership. You will gain tools to identify discrimination and its forms, to take account of older people in vulnerable positions, and to promote equality in practical work.

The study unit strengthens your professional self-awareness: you will learn to recognise the significance of your own values, attitudes, and position of power when working with older people. In addition, you will familiarise yourself with the principles of age-friendly and accessible services, as well as the challenges of developing and leading future services.

This study unit will provide you with the competence to work with ageing people sensitively, equally, and in an age-friendly manner.

Study takes place independently in the Moodle online environment. The study unit consists of modules through which you will engage with the topic using a range of materials and assignments.