Module II Unit 1:
Aging and Health in Public Policy: Active Aging Framework
STRUCTURE
Welcome to the first unit of Module II “Aging and Health in Public Policy:
Active Aging Framework”. Active Aging is an important topic as it allows
people to realize their potential for physical, social and mental well-being
and to participate in society. Public policy is an important means of ensuring
that individuals and the older population can extend healthy life expectancy
and maintain autonomy and independence. The ability, knowledge and
timeframe for Module II Unit 1 are provided for you here.
Ability: Provide technical expertise in the development of public policies for
aging issues in public health.
Knowledge:
Aging in Public Policy: Know the public policies affecting and in favor of the
elderly in the region and identify new policy opportunities for the social
protection of the elderly in the region and the development of programs and
services for the health of older adults.
Active Aging: Study the principle definitions and concepts of active aging.
Understand the determinants of active aging and the ways in which active
aging can be achieved.
Active Aging Policy Framework: Study the key components of the WHO
Active Aging Framework. Understand the three pillars of a policy framework
for active aging and the key policy proposals for inter-sectorial policy action.
Timeframe: June 12 – June 17 (4 work days)
Module II Unit 1:
Aging and Health in Public Policy: Active Aging Framework
STUDY GUIDE
The purpose of this study guide is to direct you through the readings and
practical activity of Module II Unit 1 and simplify the learning process. This
study guide contains all of the instructions and materials needed to complete
the learning requirements relating to aging and health in public policy and
the active aging framework. All materials, including the readings and unit
activity, can be found in the virtual classroom Module II Unit 1 page. If you
have any questions after reading this guide, don’t hesitate to bring them to
the attention of your tutor.
You will have four days to complete Module II Unit 1. It is important that you
complete all of the required contents in the 4 days assigned, as the Unit 1
contents are integral to the comprehension of the units that follow. We
recommend that you follow the schedule below to complete the contents in
the four days allotted for Unit 1.
Readings
Practical Activity
2 days (2 hours)
2 days (2 hours)
Readings: Several readings have been carefully selected to introduce you to
the subject of aging and health in public policy. This information and these
tools will not only serve you in the completion of this course, but may also
be utilized throughout your career. Please read the selected readings. There
are three types of readings: basic, recommended and resources. It is
required that all students read the basic readings. Although not required, we
encourage you to read the recommended readings to further enhance your
knowledge on the subject. Lastly, the resources include a website and
document that you may visit to find information and data on a particular
subject. You may find the resources useful in the completion of the unit
activity.
Practical Activity: Following completion of the lectures and readings,
complete the practical activity described.
1. Basic Readings:
 WHO “Active Ageing: A Policy Framework”, WHO Non-communicable
Diseases and Mental Health Cluster, Ageing and Life Course.
2. Recommended Readings:
 United Nations, Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean, “Report of the Regional Intergovernmental Conference on
Ageing: Towards a Regional Strategy for the Implementation in Latin
America and the Caribbean of the Madrid International Plan of Action
on Ageing”, Santiago, Chile, 19-21 November 2003.
 United Nations, “Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing”,
Second World Assembly on Aging, Madrid, Spain, 8-12 April 2002.
3. Resources:
 S.M.A.R.T. Resource Tool:
http://www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/smart/index.htm
 Cloos, Patrick et al., 2009, “Active ageing: a qualitative study in six
Caribbean countries”, Aging and Society, Vol. 30, No. 2010, Pp. 79101.
 Franklin, N. & Tate, C., 2008, “Lifestyle and Successful Aging: An
Overview”, American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 6.
Questions to Consider: After completing the lecture and basic readings, ask
yourself the questions provided. You are not required to provide answers to
these questions and will not be graded on them.
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What are the main determinants of active aging?
Describe the importance of inter-sectorial and international
collaboration when it comes to implementing policies that support
active aging.
What are the three main policy proposals outlined by the WHO in the
Active Aging Framework?
4. Practical Activity: The Unit 1 activity requires you to apply the
information learned to study and analyze the active aging policies in your
country.
For the Unit 1 practical activity, you must create a short, 1-2 page active
aging profile for your country. Read the practical activity instructions located
under the Module II Unit 1 activity page.
Congratulations on completing Module II Unit 1: Aging and Health in Public
Policy: Active Aging Framework. Next we’ll look at the Public Health and
Aging in Unit 2.