Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Positive Ageing
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Bruna PucciMcKenna
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: The aim for this module is to provide information on current research being carried out for older adults and cognitive health. To investigate different factors, such as diet and physical activity and attitudes. To evaluate approaches in public health is in relation to ageing related diseases.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Identify body functions and consequences in ageing
MLO2 Examine different factors influencing healthy ageing
MLO3 Evaluate prevention or treatment approach for an individual with Dementia or CVD applying the factors previous studied.
MLO4 Evaluate cognitive dysfunction assessments and studies carried out in older adults
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Unit 1 – Brain Health & older adults overview
Brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural, and motor domains focusing on the ageing brain. Statistics and population overview in Ireland and a comparison with Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.
Unit 2 – Factors affecting healthy ageing
Healthy eating for older adults – Mediterranean diet, B vitamins, Iron and nutrition important for cognitive health in older adults, alcohol, caffeine, portion sizes and caloric intake. Malnourishment case studies, MUST screening tool, supplementation. Active mind & body for older adults – Physical activity, flexibility, balance, mood improvement, intellectual engaging activities, attitudes, social engagement. Psychological factors in older adults – Stress (relaxation), loneliness and social exclusion, positive/negative personality. Physical health for older adults – Blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sleep patterns, bone frailty, health screenings. Environment factors for older adults – socio-economic status, mobility, friendly accessibility (shops, activities, etc), safe areas (crime).
Unit 3 – Case studies
Dementia – Discuss Alzheimer's disease types, signs, increase risks, treatment, cognitive decline assessments such as MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination). Communication and care-giving. CVD – e.g. Stroke and cognitive dysfunction
Unit 4 – Public Health and older adults
Challenges to nutrition and health in older adults. Assessments for cognitive dysfunction, Irish heart Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, TILDA and TUDA older adult cohort studies. Nursing homes vs. home care.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 80
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Challenges in nutrition for older population
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Presentation of findings
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
This module does not have any book resources
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Kenny, R. A.. (2022), Age proof: The new science of living a longer and healthier life..
  • Bundy, R. and Minihane, A.M.. (2018), Diet, exercise and dementia: The potential impact of a Mediterranean diet pattern and physical activity on cognitive health in a UK population,
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 111/nbu.12339
  • Ni Lochlainn, M. & Robinson, S.. (2022), UK Nutrition Research Partnership workshop: Nutrition and frailty—opportunities for prevention and treatment,
    https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12429
  • Hughes CF, Porter K, Moore K, Ward M, Cunningham C, McCarroll K, Tracey F, Molloy AM, Hoey L, Strain JJ, Casey MC, Laird E, O’Kane MJ, Pentieva K, McNulty H.. (2018), B-Vitamin Biomarker Status - Predictors of Cognitive Function and Decline in Older Adults Over A 5-year Follow-up: The TUDA Study,
    https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afy140.19 5
  • Laird E, Casey MC, Ward M, Hoey L, Hughes CF, McCarroll K, Cunningham C, Strain JJ, McNulty H, Molloy AM.. (2017), Dairy Intakes in Older Irish Adults and Effects on Vitamin Micronutrient Status: Data from the TUDA Study.
  • Almendrales Rangel, C., Noble, Y., Radd-Vagenas, S., Mavros, Y., Flood, V., O’Leary, F., Fiatarone Singh, M.. (2022), Nutrition Module design in Maintain Your Brain: An internet-based randomised controlled trial to prevent cognitive decline and dementia..
  • The effects of a low dose of caffeine on cognitive performance. (1998), The effects of a low dose of caffeine on cognitive performance.
  • McCann A, McNulty H, Rigby J, Hughes CF, Hoey L, Molloy AM, Cunningham CJ, Casey MC, Tracey F, O'Kane MJ, McCarroll K, Ward M, Moore K, Strain JJ, Moore A.. (2018), Effect of Area-Level Socioeconomic Deprivation on Risk of Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults,
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29430638 /
  • Angelino, D., Caffrey, A., Moore, K., Laird, E., Moore, AJ., Gill, C. IR., Mena, P., Westley, K., Pucci, B., Boyd, K., Mullen, B., McCarroll, K., Ward, M., Strain, S., Cunningham, C., Molloy, A. M., McNulty, H., & Del Rio, D.. (2020), Phenyl-γ-valerolactones and healthy ageing: Linking dietary factors, nutrient biomarkers, metabolic status and inflammation with cognition in older adults (the VALID Project),
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 111/nbu.12444
Other Resources