The world is aging, and Europe is the oldest of all continents. The increase in life expectancy is one of the biggest victories of science. It challenges policymakers and professionals to find innovative ways to stimulate autonomy, well - being and active involvement in society of all citizens by integrating the latest insights of scientific research on aging. The Faculty of Social Sciences and the VU Medical Center conduct a large ongoing study on aging which provides ample opportunities to inform students with up-to-date insights in gerontology.During the first week of the course, students will get a thorough understanding of the social and psychological functioning of older people. Main theories in social and psycho-gerontology will be addressed and applied to actual social problems of the aging population, includingsocial networks, volunteering, informal care,loneliness, life styles and memory functioning, and successful aging. During the second week, individual aging will be placed within several major societal developments:modernization, globalization, technological developments (virtual networks, domotica) and the retreat of the welfare regimes in European nations. The course week is concluded with a presentation of a concrete plan of action for a local government or care and welfare institute in the student's home country.

Period
30-06-2014 - 11-07-2014 (2 weeks)

Target group
Students from disciplines in all Social andBehavioral Sciences, Medicine, and Life Sciences.

Course aim
At the end of the module, students are able to:1. Give an overview of recent developments in aging research;2. Name and explain some of the most important sociological and psychological theories on aging;3. Understand the importance of scientific knowledge for the development of a critical attitude towards policies on aging;4. More critically appraise current developments in aging policy;5. Apply this knowledge to a concrete plan of action for a local government or an institute forcare and welfare , to stimulate active and healthy aging.



Credits
3.0 ECTS creditsECTS is the standard European credit system, each ECTS credit is equivalent to 28 study hours. All courses are worth 3 ECTS. Because some education systems (such as the American universities) base their credits on contact hours, we have included the contact hours in the course description on our website.

Course fee
EUR 1200[Convert to USD]The tuition fee of this course is 1200,- and includes furnished accommodation and the orientation programme. If you select two consecutive courses and study with us for four weeks, you will receive a 10% discount on the second course fee.Some courses will include excursions. We will also organize trips and excursions as part of our social programme, which is a great way to get to know your fellow students and learn more about Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The social programme is not included in the tuition fee.

Course leader
Dr. Marja Aartsen

VU University Amsterdam Study Abroad in Amsterdam
Address: De Boelelaan 1105 Amsterdam
Postal code: 1081 HV
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.studyabroadinamsterdam.nl/en/summerschool/index.asp
E-mail: amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 5986506