Longer life expectancies, coupled with better health, have led to the emergence of the Third Age?a long span of time when older adults are free of their career and family responsibilities, and before the onset of the physical, emotional and cognitive limitations. In Singapore, this will refer to an older adult between 65 and 80+ years old. The Third Age offers opportunities and possibilities for a life of purpose and significance.
This Capstone course challenges students to apply knowledge and skills in their discipline to tackle the psychological, sociological, economics, and management challenges of a rapidly ageing society. It is a unique learning opportunity that emphasize the application of academic knowledge accumulated in prior core courses to solving real world problems. The course develops in students an ability to identify problems and develop solutions by analytic review and abstract idea generation. To achieve this, the capstone will simulate the "real world" through the development/implementation of innovative solutions to real client projects. Students will have the opportunity to assist industry partners make a positive impact in their efforts to engage the third agers in Singapore.
Classroom sessions and SMU-X project will lead students to dive deeper into disciplines like gerontology (in particular, life span development framework of Third Age), social sciences (intergenerational), organizational behavior (diverse workplace), business management strategies (silver industry), economics, artificial intelligence & technology (in particular, elder-technology) related to the ageing population in Singapore.
The course will proceed by envisaging different aspects of ageing and society through published works on life in the Third Age including books, academic journal articles, case studies. Students will be working with our SMU-X industry partner, The Lien Foundation on their projects in the ageing space. Projects include the design of community space for older adults at the National Museum, and other initiatives to support Aging in Place at Yishun Community Hospital.
In collaboration with an industry partner, this course seeks to
(a) provide an understanding of the theoretical and empirical work on studies of older adults and relevant areas (e.g., global ageing phenomenon, major theories of aging, ageism, retirement, concept of social connectedness, active and successful aging, social policies, economics of ageing, ethical issues in ageing) conducted to date by scholars in gerontology;
(b) address issues (e.g., interdisciplinary collaboration to address societal impact of an aging population) at the individual, organizational and national level that might enhance or hamper social connectedness.
(c) engage SMU students in collaborative project proposals to solve client-centered problems related to designing community space to help older adults stay socially connected and enjoy a meaningful and enriching life.
Working with Lien's Foundation partners (Alzheimer's Disease Association, Touch Community Services, Blossom Seeds, Montfort Care), students researched into the concerns in the ageing space (active ageing and dementia patients and their caregivers), and proposed ideas to promote social connectedness amongst seniors and caregivers.