Social gerontology

Aging concerns us all. According to sociologist Anne Karpf, ageism is a type of prejudice that is absurdly aimed for one’s own future. She emphasized that one cannot be anti-aging or anti-living. However, old age does not have a unique meaning. It is constantly changing as a result of social, cultural, and biological factors. This program’s vision combines the biological with the social, avoiding both the rigid naturalization of old age and the denial of the body and specific vulnerabilities. Aging is understood as a complex process, influenced by policies, decisions, contexts and symbols. The program develops critical thinking and sociological imagination, preparing specialists capable of navigating between social intervention, demographic analysis and interdisciplinary research. The curriculum is focused on Social Work, valued for its role in supporting the autonomy, dignity and inclusion of older people. However, it also integrates demography, public health, neuroscience, queer studies, death studies, and more, offering flexibility for theoretical or applied specializations. If you are interested in:

working with older people and developing innovative social interventions to support their autonomy and well-being
understanding aging not only as a biological process, but also as a social, cultural and political phenomenon, a process that every human being is inherently affected by
contributing to changing reductionist perceptions of old age, promoting inclusion, dignity and equity, and celebrating diversity
developing social policies and practices that fight discrimination and promoting active and healthy ageing, as well as positive intergenerational relationships
exploring topics such as eldercare, dementia, LGBTQ+ aging, palliative care, and death as a social process and working on theoretical and applied research projects in these areas
being part of a positive social transformation, contributing to redefining the way society experiences and understands aging and old age and the ways in which it relates to the elderly

Than this is the program for you!

Objectives

Training specialists capable of approaching the aging process and old age from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective, integrating theoretical knowledge, research skills, as well as understanding social and cultural practices. Graduates will contribute to the development of relevant research, equitable and sustainable social policies and interventions, which promote the empowerment and well-being of older people, leading to the transformation of social perceptions of old age in a positive way and to the proactive assumption of aging. By helping to develop pertinent research, equitable and sustainable social policies, and interventions that support older people’s empowerment and well-being, graduates will help to change societal perceptions of old age in a positive way and encourage proactive aging.

Specific objectives:

Building a solid theoretical foundation on the aging process, by integrating fundamental theories and critical perspectives from fields such as social work, neuroscience, sociology, medical and cultural anthropology, gender and queer studies, leading to an interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of old age and aging.
Promoting an integrative perspective on aging as a biological, social and cultural phenomenon.
Acquiring advocacy and policy-making skills that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, empowerment and sustainability for the aging population.
Cultivating intercultural and intergenerational communication skills.
Developing the ability to critically interpret and use recent demographic data to assess the impact of population aging on contemporary societies.
Combating the stigmatization of the elderly by deconstructing ageist narratives and promoting an anti-discriminatory value grid.
Building the necessary skills to design and implement social interventions that support the inclusion, diversity and equity of older people in communities and families; promoting social policies and practices based on ethical values, sustainability and empowerment.
Encouraging the use of digital technologies (ICT) to support the active and autonomous life of the elderly, in residential and community contexts.
Developing a deeper understanding of the mental and cognitive health of aging individuals and the social dimension of public health.
Developing the capacity to conduct interdisciplinary research, using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.
Building the capacity to translate scientific information into a language accessible to the general public, contributing to the popularization of gerontological science and the involvement of citizens in discussions about aging.
Promoting the positive aspects of old age and supporting a proactive approach (with an emphasis on prevention) to aging, which encourages the inclusion, dignity and active participation of the elderly in society.

Acquired competencies

respecting and promoting the rights of the elderly to dignity and self-determination, within the context of the provisions of the law and in safe conditions.
applying ethical principles in decision-making on behalf of the elderly and showing special consideration for those with limited decision-making capacity.
showing respect and non-discrimination towards the diversity of older adults, families and professionals (cultural, spiritual, class, race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation diversity).
promoting interdisciplinary knowledge of aging processes, connecting various perspectives, theories and concepts: biological, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual.
knowledge about, and the capacity to identify issues related to grief, loss, transitions, and adaptation to changes throughout the life course.
providing specialized support to older adults and their families in situations such as: end of life, death, bereavement, widowhood.
using standardized assessment tools and/or develop specific assessment forms to perform comprehensive functional assessments of older adults.

Courses

Compulsory subjects

1st Semester

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2nd Semester

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3rd Semester

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4th Semester

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Compulsory professional practice

Practice

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Elective courses

Offered courses

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Careers

Educational plan

Academic curriculum Social gerontology 2025-2026