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DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY 2008-2009

Prospectus for Diploma in Gerontology, 2008-2009 (pdf)

Introduction

The 21st century will be the century of ageing of mankind.

Alfred Savvy, sociologist and demographer

Gerontology is a study of late Adulthood and of Older Adults as a special group. Gerontologists are concerned with understanding the many aspects of ageing right from cellular processes involved in improving quality of life of older people. An interdisciplinary approach is not only appropriate but necessary given the complex health and mental health, social and economic concerns of Older Adults.

The elderly population in India is second largest in the world, next only to China. This population which was 77 million according to the 2001 Census (7.5 per cent of the total population), is projected to increase to 137 in 2021. Population projections show that by 2050, the elderly population in India will surpass the population of children below 14 years. In India, as in many other Asian countries, it had been taken for granted that families would be the most natural living environment for people of all ages including Older Adults. But the traditional family structure is undergoing drastic changes. Urbanisation, migration, industrialization, women's entry into labour force and many such social changes have steadily chipped away at the joint family system. Community and caste networks that sustained the elderly within family are also breaking down.

India, with a great deal of heterogeneity and diversity, has to face the challenge of ensuring that needs of Older Adults are adequately met especially with reference to their: health and nutrition; work and finance; security; property and housing; sensitization of family and community towards elderly issues; protection from neglect, violence and destitution(elder abuse); self-fulfilment; death with dignity. It is necessary that these are fulfilled as rights and not as charity.

The Human Rights framework in Diploma programme course will be taught through the concepts of dignity and justice that identify and acknowledge, stereotypes regarding the elderly, familial biases, social myths and cultural faults. By identifying these, students can understand the issues at hand and develop a perspective on pursuing change in the attitude of society as well as advocate for governmental action to defend the dignity of the Older Adult.

The classes are held at the Institute's premises at Deonar, Mumbai , from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays, from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. However, if the regular class or classes are cancelled due to any reason, such class/classes will be held on any Saturday and/or Sunday.

Course Outline

The total credit hours of the Diploma in Gerontology programme is 38 as detailed below:

8 Basic Courses = 16 credits

3 Seminar Courses = 6 credits

Term Paper = 2 credits

Field Practicum = 14 Credits

Total = 38 Credits

Term Paper: Case Study of an Organisation

Field Practicum: Exposure Visits and Direct Field Work

Eligibility

A Bachelor's Degree (under10+2+3+ or 10+2+2+1) year bridge course pattern of study or any other pattern fulfilling the mandatory requirements of 15 years formal education), in any discipline and minimum age of 25 years. Priority will be given to those who are working in social work organisations.

The Diploma Programme has an interdisciplinary focus and so it will invite those from medical, legal and financial backgrounds who wish to address issues of elderly and to audit specific subjects in particular. The Course will cater to all who intend to branch out or initiate services for the elderly.

Reservations

The TISS is an equal opportunity institution and there is no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age or physical disability. As per the Government of India directives, there is a reservation for the following groups:

• 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs.
• 3% of seats are reserved for the persons with disability of which 1% each is reserved for (a) Low Vision/ Blindness, (b) Hearing Impairment, and (c) Locomotor Disability/ Cerebral Palsy.
• 5 Seats will be reserved for candidates in the age group of 55+ years.

Selection Procedure

Those satisfying the eligibility requirements will be called for an interview by the Selection Committee. The list of selected candidates will be notified on the institute Notice Board. The Institute does not take responsibility for information by post. Candidates may make enquiries through Telephone.

Contact Details

Letters may be addressed to:

The Section Officer (STP)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Post Box 8313, Deonar,
Mumbai 400 088

Telephone: 91-22-2556 3289-96, Extn. 5252, or 25225252 (Direct)

The telephone board functions from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Fax No. : 91-22-25562912

E-mail: stp[AT]tiss.edu

OR

The Chairperson / Programme Co-ordinator
Centre for Lifelong Learning
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Post Box 8313, Deonar,
Mumbai 400 088

Telephone : 25563289-96, Extn. 5680/5681/5682

E-mail: sabiha_v[AT]tiss.edu ; extramural[AT]tiss.edu