AGES2013 Roles, Relationships and Networks

Growing older brings many changes to the experience of living everyday life. The significance of roles, relationships and social networks in later life has been a focus of gerontology over time. Throughout the lifecourse we take on different roles, engage in different types of relationships and build our social networks. This topic examines roles and relationships in later life and the impact of changes that can occur as a person grows older. Students will explore the ways in which some roles diminish and new roles emerge to create different opportunities and a new landscape of relationships in later life. Students will learn how understanding the roles, relationships and social networks of older people can provide insight that is important to working with older people and supporting healthy ageing.

This topic aims to examine roles, relationships and social networks in later life and how they can contribute to health and well-being. In addition, this will prepare students to assess and analyse network information to support healthy ageing and develop skills in appraising and reviewing research articles.

1. Discuss the general properties and functions of social relationships
2. Recognise key roles significant to older people and their association to status in later life
3. Investigate the implications of different types of roles, relationships and networks for healthy ageing
4. Evaluate research literature through appraisal and analysis of how it contributes to the wider knowledge base
5. Employ cultural responsiveness to understanding roles, relationships and social networks
6. Assess network typologies in relation to providing insight into potential risks to healthy ageing
7. Appraise information in relation to the roles, relationships and networks of an older person and integrate into an authentic partnership approach to work with and support older people