BSc Home Science Gerontology and Healthy Aging Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026
This is the Semester 5 syllabus under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2026-27. The University still examines the earlier Choice Based papers alongside it — her third-year timetables name that scheme — so check which scheme your exam form names before you revise.
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Syllabus for Gerontology and Healthy Aging
Module I: Understanding Aging and the Older Adult
- 1 Introduction to Gerontology and Old Age
- i Definition, concept, history, importance, and scope of gerontology – including traditional Indian perspectives on aging
- ii Theories in Aging – life span perspectives (modern theories and Indian life-stage framework such as the Ashrama system as a socio-cultural model)
- iii Demographics of aging & characteristics of older adults – Indian demographic transition and longevity patterns
- iv Myths and stereotypes about aging – cross-cultural comparison and traditional Indian respect-based age norms
- v Changes and developmental tasks of old age: cognitive, physical, psychological, and social – traditional Indian views on holistic development
- IKS Component Integration:
- Indigenous life-stage framework (Ashrama system) as a socio- developmental model
- Healthy aging principles from classical Ayurveda texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita (in health and preventive care context)
- Concepts of duty, social responsibility, and community participation in later life
- Cultural norms emphasizing dignity and respect for elders
- 2 Social and Family Perspectives in Later Life
- i Family relationships in later life: sibling, grandparent–grandchild, and intergenerational relationships – traditional and contemporary Indian family systems including joint family evolution from ancient to colonial India and its gradual transformation in the 18th–19th century
- ii Social participation in old age, empty nest syndrome, family support, caregiving issues – role of community networks, historical roles of elders in medieval guilds, religious communities, and early modern civic structures
- iii Perspectives on death and dying, grief and bereavement – socio- cultural practices and psychological adaptation
- iv Old age from personal and societal perspectives – life expectancy in India and abroad (comparative demographic analysis) with comparative historical analysis of life expectancy and aging patterns from pre-colonial to colonial India
- IKS Component Integration:
- Elder wisdom traditions and intergenerational knowledge transfer
- Role of elders in local governance and community mediation (Panchayat traditions)
- Indigenous social support systems and community-based care practices
- Cultural approaches to end-of-life care and collective mourning practices (non-doctrinal perspective)
- Impact of 18th–19th century social reform movements (e.g., widow care, social justice initiatives) on perceptions of aging and elder care
Module II: Health, Care, and Management of Older Adults
- Physical and Mental Health in Old Age
- Physiological conditions: lifestyle, socioeconomic status, gender differences – traditional Indian dietary practices, Dinacharya (daily regimen), and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) in preventive health
- Sensory problems: vision (cataracts, glaucoma), hearing loss – preventive and lifestyle-based approaches
- Movement, balance, Parkinson’s disease, dental problems, sexual health – role of Yoga-based physical practices from the 19 th century for mobility and well-being
- Common diseases: heart disease, BP, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, lung/kidney/bladder issues, cancer – integrative care approaches (modern medicine + traditional health systems)
- Mental health: stress, depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s, insomnia, cognitive decline, loneliness, substance abuse, suicidal tendencies – meditation, breathing practices (drawing from classical texts) and community engagement for psychological well-being
- IKS Component Integration:
- Rasayana (rejuvenation) concept in Ayurveda
- Holistic health concept of “Swasthya” (balanced well-being)
- Preventive and promotive health models in traditional Indian knowledge systems
- Community-based mental wellness practices
- Care, Welfare, and Management of Older Adults
- Needs of older adults: physical, psychological, social, economic, healthcare – traditional family-based caregiving and evolving institutional models, e.g. Dharmashalas, temples, community kitchens
- Problems of aging: abuse, neglect, crimes against elderly – ethical responsibilities and social accountability, including historical perspectives on elder neglect and social responsibility in different periods
- Elderly care and management: assessment, planning, financial, legal, medical issues, referrals, advocacy, dispute resolution, community mediation, counselling, digital welfare
- Health decisions and directives about end-of-life – dignity, autonomy, and culturally sensitive care planning
- Resources for elderly care: human and material, monitoring, and support – Community- and Facility-Based Care in India including historical evolution from community-based systems to early institutional care models
- IKS Component Integration (Secular):
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) – Indian legal framework
- Community-based elder care models inspired by indigenous social systems
- Role of NGOs, self-help groups, and senior citizen associations
- Traditional healing knowledge and local health practitioners in community support
- Historical evolution of charitable institutions (Dharmashalas, temples, community kitchens) and early social welfare initiatives in 18th–19th century India to address elder needs
Reference Books
- 1 Bakshi, K., & Chakravarti, P. (Eds.). (2024). Cultures of ageing and ageism in India. Routledge.
- 2 Baltes, P. B., & Smith, J. (2003). Handbook of lifespan psychology. Wiley.
- 3 Baltes, P. B., Reuter-Lorenz, P., & Lövdén, M. (2006). Lifespan developmental psychology: Introduction to research methods (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
- 4 Birren, J. E., & Schaie, K. W. (Eds.). (2006). Handbook of the psychology of aging (6th ed.). Elsevier Academic.
- 5 Blackburn, J. A., & Dulmus, C. N. (Eds.). (2007). Handbook of gerontology: Evidence-based approaches to theory, practice, and policy. John Wiley & Sons.
- 6 Cohen, G. D. (Ed.). (2018). The Cambridge handbook of successful aging. Cambridge University Press.
- 7 Gangopadhyay, J. (2021). Culture, context and aging of older Indians: Narratives from India and beyond. Springer.
- 8 Hoyer, W. J., Rybash, J. M., & Liss, M. (2020). Adult development and aging (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- 9 Lamb, M. E., & Lerner, R. M. (Eds.). (2019). Handbook of child psychology and developmental science (8th ed., Vol. 1: Theoretical models of human development). Wiley Press.
- 10 Paltasingh, T., & Tyagi, R. (Eds.). (2015). Caring for the elderly: Social gerontology in the Indian context. SAGE Publications India.
- 11 Schaie, K. W., & Willis, S. L. (2016). Handbook of the psychology of aging (8th ed.). Academic Press.
- 12 Shankardass, M. K. (Ed.). (2021). Ageing issues in India: Practices, perspectives and policies. Springer.
- 13 Shankardass, M. K. (Ed.). (2021). Gerontological concerns and responses in India. Springer.
- 14 Shankardass, M. K. (Ed.). (2026). Analysing ageing in India in regional and global context. Routledge.
- 15 Stuart-Hamilton, I. (Ed.). (2011). An introduction to gerontology. Cambridge University Press.
Reproduced from the University of Mumbai syllabus for B.Sc. (Home Science) under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2026-27. Wording is as printed in that syllabus. Module numbering is as printed there too.