OVERVIEW

The course aims at providing theretical and practical knowledge about psychology of aging. From the theoretical point of view, the main sensorial, physical, cogntiive and social changes related to aging will be illustrated; form the practical point of view clinical assessment and intervention programs related to natural and pathological aging will be illustrated. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course, after a general overview of the problems associated with aging, aims to illustrate the main diagnostic techniques that can be used to identify cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative, and psychological, such as forms of depression. The possible forms of preventive/rehabilitative/conservative intervention will also be considered, both in the cognitive and in the psychosocial field, with a view to preserving

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• recognize the main aims and strategies adopted in the psychology of aging
• understand the sensorial, physical, cognitive and social changes related to natural aging
• identify the main pathological areas related to aging
• know and use some of the most important tools for the diagnosis and treatment in psychology of aging
• know and use some of the most known programs to support/improve the quality of life of aging people

PREREQUISITES

To attend the course, it is preferable to have the fundamentals of general psychology and psychometrics.

TEACHING METHODS

• Lessons will be in presence and the teacher will provide the material to support individual study
• The course might include frontal lessons, team works, single case analysis, projects
• Attendance at lectures is required, possible exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Erasmus students are expected to contact the instructor in order to discuss and adjust the course content accordingly

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

From one side the class will examine ageing processes and their effects on principal psychological functions on the other side it will describe main steps of diagnostic process in ageing psychology as well as the most employed diagnostic test in geropsychology. Attention will be focused to age related changes on cognitive functions as well as to depression and techniques/programs of ageing processes prevention so that people’s self-sufficiency period might be prolonged.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested textbooks:

• De Beni R., Borella E. (2015). Psicologia dell’invecchiamento e della longevità, Il Mulino
• Bianchi A. (2013). L’esame neuropsicologico dell’adulto. Applicazioni cliniche e forensi, Giunti O.S.
• Di Nuovo S., Vianello R. (2013). Deterioramento cognitivo: forme, diagnosi e intervento. Una prospettiva Life-Span, Franco Angeli
• Other books or book chapters could be indicated during the lessons

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will take place in the first semester. Students are required to register on Aula web to download teaching materials and to sign up to the assessments.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is composed of two written tests and the final mark will be calculated as the mean of the two tests:

• written test (multiple-choice) about the theoretical aspects of the course
• written test based on the simulation of a diagnostic process

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Evaluation of knowledge of the main theories on ageing, the process of diagnosis, the mode of administration and the areas of use of some of the more widespread diagnostic tests and of the possible intervention programs to maintain cognitive and social functions and prolong people self-sufficiency. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Information for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Please note that to request exam accommodations, you must follow these steps:

1. Upload your certification on the University website at servizionline.unige.it in the “Studenti” section.
The documentation will be reviewed by the Inclusion Services Office for Students with Disabilities and SLD (see contact

2. At least 10 days before the exam date, send an email to the exam instructor (Prof. Giulia Cappagli), putting in cc also the Inclusion Coordinator (Prof. Laura Traverso, laura.traverso@unige.it) and the Inclusion Services Office (disabili@unige.it, dsa@unige.it, or inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it). The email must include:

• The name of the course
• The exam date
• Your full name and student ID number
• The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures you are requesting

Prof. Traverso will confirm to the instructor that you are entitled to request accommodations. The instructor will then reply, confirming whether the requested accommodations can be granted.

⚠️ Important: Late requests may not allow sufficient time to implement necessary changes (e.g., concept maps must be concise and suitable for the exam). If not submitted on time, adjustments may not be possible.

For more information, please refer to the document: https://unige.it/en/disabilita-dsa/modulistica