Course

Older Adulthood: Psychosocial Issues and Therapeutic Recreation

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Therapeutic Recreation
Course code
THRT 2308
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course examines the impact psychosocial impairments and loss of cognitive function has on quality of life and independence in older adulthood. Dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, and changes in social structure and supports are addressed in depth. The impact of economic structure, social structures, and societal attitudes, including ageism, on the life of older adults is examined. Innovative therapeutic recreation interventions, current models, and resources for older adults with dementia are explored.
Course content

Course content will be guided by research, empirical knowledge, and best practice. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, will inform course content.

  • Seventeen percent of Canada’s population are older adults. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (2016), by 2031 an expected 937,000 Canadians will be living with Dementia. Increasing understanding of this growing population is supported by the fact that the total number of new cases of dementia each year worldwide is nearly 9.9 million, implying 1 case every three seconds (World Health Organization, 2019) 
  • Increasing knowledge and understanding of ageism builds the competence of TR practitioners to be able to advocate for older adults 
  • Increasing knowledge of dementia and supportive practices to respond to BPSD (behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia) empowers TR Practitioners to provide suitable interventions and programs that address unmet needs 
  • Building awareness of the continuum of care, from community independence to long term care, broadens the TR Practitioner’s perspective to determine strengths, limitations, and needs of the individual to establish appropriate resources or program placements 
  • The TR Practitioner promotes quality of life by establishing clear understanding of person-centered care, adapting the environment, applying suitable strategies for motivating clients, and supporting behaviour (unmet needs) 
  • The TR Practitioner provides effective communication strategies and builds relationships by developing insight into end-of-life issues, stages of grief or dying, and the palliative approach to care 
  • Gaining insight into multicultural, familial, and societal perspectives on aging increases knowledge of the impact of family roles, social supports, and the environment.  

 

Learning activities

In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, discussion, group work, case studies, team-based exercises, and community experiences.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:

  • Testing
  • Written assignments
  • Presentations

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of a student’s grade performance.  Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline and allowed for in the course curriculum guideline.

This course may have an assignment that has been identified as part of the TR Department Research Framework and therefore the assignment must be passed at a minimum of a C (60%) level in order for a student to achieve a C (60%) final grade in the course. Each course outline will clearly identify these research framework assignments if relevant.

All students in the Therapeutic Recreation program, both diploma and degree students, are required to attain a minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in all courses utilized for credit towards a diploma and/or degree in Therapeutic Recreation in order to progress in the program.

 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Identify and discuss characteristics of the older adult population in Canada and analyze the impact of aging.  

  2. Define ageism and its impact on the aging population. 

  3. Explain Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) and BPSD (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia), as well as identify their impact on the individual with considerations of family, independence, and environment.  

  4. Identify aspects of end-of-life care and explain the palliative approach to care as experienced by older adults.  

  5. Identify and adapt therapeutic recreation interventions to enhance engagement and the quality of life of individuals with dementia.

  6. Discuss the continuum of care, care approaches and models, and how each may promote quality of life, person-centered care, and independence while reducing social isolation. 

Textbook materials

Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students.  A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.

Requisites

Prerequisites

A minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in THRT 1101

 

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for THRT 2308
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU PSYC 1XX (3)
Langara College (LANG) LANG ARTS 2XXX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) No credit
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO PSYO_O 2nd (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 2nd (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC PSYC 2XX (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5)

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
24
Remaining seats:
6
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2081
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

This course is restricted to TR students enrolled in the In Person TR Diploma or TR Degree program.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
22
Remaining seats:
8
On waitlist
0
Building
Online
Room
ONLINE
Times:
Start Time
18:30
-
End Time
21:20
Section notes

This course is restricted to TR students enrolled in the Online TR Diploma program. This course will include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online activities. Students should plan to be available online at scheduled course times. The course schedule will be available the first day of class.