Singapore University of Social Sciences

In 2015, one in eight Singaporeans was 65 years or older. By 2030, this will increase to one in four, or 25% (MOH, 2016). Therefore, working with older adults will have to become an increasingly important part of counselling education. Practice and research reveal that older adults experience a myriad of issues which may require counselling intervention. These issues include depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss of functional abilities, health concerns, retirement, loss of financial independence, social isolation, intergenerational and marital conflicts, and other mental and emotional challenges related to ageing. Moreover, older persons are complex, each individual having been moulded by the experiences of many decades. Hence, counselling older persons requires specific knowledge and skills. This course will provide students working with older adults with the theoretical and developmental foundations, as well as equip them with the key competencies and tools to effectively assess, counsel and intervene.