This Unit aims to develop an understanding of human development across the lifespan
particularly with respect to changes in the health and wellbeing of individuals. Social workers need to
give attention to the health and well-being of clients, families and more broadly the community
when they work in the health system or when working in other fields of practice. For this
purpose, students will be enabled, with this Unit of study, for critical exploration and analysis of
knowledge, theories, and systems relevant to health and wellbeing. In addition, this Unit explores
the potential of social work practice with people of different ages, health conditions and
disabilities and mental health conditions in diverse communities. In this Unit, health is introduced
as a “social” idea, with consideration of the social determinants of health, as well as the social
causes and consequences of health inequalities. Using a holistic understanding and consideration
of health challenges across the lifespan, models of health are critically evaluated, and priority
is given to a biopsychosocial-spiritual-cultural approach to understanding health and wellbeing
across the lifespan.
- Lecturer: Sajal Roy