This course aims to provide students with an introductory understanding of the main economic and management concepts applied to population aging and the gerontology sector. The aim is for students to identify fundamental concepts (Remember), understand the economic and social dynamics associated with aging (Understand), and apply basic notions of economics and management to the analysis of gerontological policies and initiatives (Apply). The theoretical and practical methods adopted¿with content presentation and exercises solved in class¿are compatible with the learning objectives, allowing for progressive and operational assimilation of knowledge, in line with the first levels of Bloom's revised taxonomy.
Programme
1. Introduction to the economics of aging: key concepts and social importance
2. The senior market and the ¿longevity economy¿
3. Economic foundations of public policy for aging
4. Basic management concepts applied to gerontological organizations
5. Economic impact of aging on public and private finances
6. Examples of innovative practices and international policies in the field
7. The role of the creative economy and social innovation in the gerontological context
Main literature
Coughlin, J. F.;The Longevity Economy: Unlocking the World's Fastest-Growing, Most Misunderstood Market, PublicAffairs, 2017. ISBN: 9781610396639
Gil, A. P., Canhão, H., Cunha Branco, J. & Pitta Barros, P. ;Desafios do Envelhecimento para a Saúde, a Economia e a Sociedade, Principia Editora, 2022. ISBN: 9789897162817
Klimczuk, A.;Economic Foundations for Creative Ageing Policy, Vol. I: Context and Considerations, Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. ISBN: 9781137466105
Supplementary Bibliography
Piggott, J. & Woodland, A.;Handbook of the Economics of Population Aging, North-Holland, 2016. ISBN: 9780444538437
Ribeiro, O. & Paúl, C.;Manual de Envelhecimento Ativo, LIDEL, 2018. ISBN: 9789897523335
Learning Methods
The UC methodology combines theoretical lectures with simple practical exercises, guided debates, and case studies. The pedagogical model focuses on active learning and the gradual consolidation of content:
Interactive lectures, supported by slides and diagrams, to promote the identification and understanding of key concepts;
Practical classroom activities, such as quizzes, analysis of short news items, graphs, and statistics, aimed at the direct application of content;
Guided discussion of real examples of aging policies or gerontological projects, with the aim of helping students connect concepts to concrete contexts;
Occasional use of short videos, text excerpts, and institutional reports to support learning and stimulate applied understanding.
This theoretical-practical approach allows students to acquire basic technical vocabulary, recognize the socioeconomic relevance of aging, and mobilize notions of economics and management in the context of gerontology. The use of accessible methodologies geared toward the initial levels of Bloom's Taxonomy facilitates adaptation to higher education and the consolidation of basic knowledge.
Assessment Components
1
Assessment Components
Description
Type
Time (hours)
Conclusion Date
Attendance (estimated)
Lessons
28,5
Test
Teste/Exame
2
Test
Teste/Exame
2
Total:
32,5
Continuous Assessment
The distributed assessment is based exclusively on closed-response tests, in order to ensure objectivity, comprehensiveness, and suitability for the students' entry profile. The tests include:
Multiple-choice questions to assess the ability to recall and recognize concepts and definitions (Remember level);
Association, completion, or true/false questions to assess the understanding of relationships between concepts and ideas (Comprehend level);
Mini cases with direct application questions to test the ability to apply knowledge to concrete and well-defined situations (Apply level).
There are two assessments throughout the semester:
Midterm test (50%) focused on the first contents of the CU, with a focus on concepts and their understanding.
Final test (50%) covering the following contents, with greater weight on application skills.
