The aim of this module is to introduce the concept of the ‘lifecourse’, exploring key theories of human development: Health and well being across the life course Assignment, UOWL, UK

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this module is to introduce the concept of the ‘life course’, exploring key theories of human development from pre-conception to old age and how health issues change over time. Students will reflect on the key influences on their own development and other members of their family. Key concepts and theories of health promotion and how an understanding of the life course is useful in planning health promotion for different age groups will be explored.

Key content:

• Key life stages across the life course: preconception and pregnancy, infancy and early years, childhood and adolescence, working-age and adults older people.

• Health determinants and health risks across the life course.

• Nature vs. nurture. • Medical, salutogenic, social, and ecological models of health.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

LO1. Describe the key life stages across the life course, and how they affect health and wellbeing.

LO2. Assess how determinants and inequalities influence people differently across the life course.

LO3. Identify the opportunities for undertaking health promotion interventions at different life stages.

LO4. Recognize and discuss how different beliefs and perspectives about health, illness, and wellbeing influence how people engage with health promotion interventions.

Summative Assessment

Develop an individual oral presentation setting out a timeline of key life events across the life course – using published life stories, found online, as examples – and describing the health effects of those life events on health. The purpose of this presentation is for you to develop your understanding of people’s different perceptions of the influences on their development and health across the life course. In addition, the activity will develop your skills and confidence in presenting to groups of people. You will be asked to set out a timeline of key life events across the life course (preconception and pregnancy, infancy and early years, childhood and adolescence, working-age and adults older people) – using published life stories, found online, as examples – and describe the health effects of those life events on health. In your presentation, you should:

Slide 1: State the different stages of the life course and state one life event which happens during each stage and how it can impact health (i.e. puberty in adolescents and dementia in older adulthood).

Slide 2: Describe health issues and health effects which typically occur during these stages of the life course (i.e. drug use/smoking/obesity/mental health issues). Use published life stories, found online, as examples.

Slide 3: (Continued from slide 2 if needed) Describe health issues and health effects which typically occur during these stages of the life course (i.e. drug use/smoking/obesity/mental health issues). using published life stories, found online, as examples.

Slide 4: Describe how nature, nurture, and culture have impacted this health issue. Include how determinants and inequalities influence people differently across the life course.

Slide 5: Describe a simple intervention idea to help address this health issue. Identify clearly the focus of the intervention (health issue, stage in life-course of participants), providing a rationale for the health promotion activity/ intervention. For example such as the 5 ways to well-being to promote mental health and well-being in working-age adults.