• Middlesex University London logo
  • Matua Raki
  • National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction

Falling Down: Problematic Substance Use in Later Life

Learn more about the issues faced by older people in relation to problematic substance use.

2,893 enrolled on this course

Abstract depiction of three older people, drugs, and alcohol  - Design created and provided by Goda Augunaite fato.reqimur@gmail.com and I  E  V  A  Y  O  Y  O  /  www.ievayoyo.com  / +447801520132
  • Duration

    5 weeks
  • Weekly study

    5 hours

Older people face specific issues in relation to problematic substance use. Demography and a growing ageing population make understanding these ever more important. But older people’s problems tend to be more invisible, both in care services and in substance use services.

This online course brings these issues together from a health, social care, informal carer and public health point of view. It draws on international perspectives from experts in the UK, New Zealand, Australia and the USA, to compare and share knowledge, skills and best practice with the community.

What topics will you cover?

  • Introduction to the issues concerning problematic substance use for older people, context, causes, recognition.
  • Comparison and sharing of knowledge, skills and expertise across different disciplines as well as internationally.
  • Identifying interventions and best practices to tackle the issues and promote health and wellbeing in ageing populations.
  • Developing a community of practice and networking on the issues.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe the problems and issues that older people face in relation to problematic substance use including alcohol, drugs, polypharmacy and the specific risks and circumstances associated with ageing and health in later life.
  • Identify the key professionals and the sources of support needed by older people impacted by problematic substance use.
  • Reflect on expertise and experiences shared to identify own strengths, areas of knowledge and skills needed to support older people and their families.
  • Explore best practice and future developments for addressing these issues within a public health and community context.

Who is the course for?

  • Professionals and support staff working in the area of problematic substance use.
  • Professionals and support staff working in ageing.
  • Older people, families and their community based networks who may be dealing with issues in their day to day lives.
  • Educators who wish to build their knowledge across disciplines and internationally.

Who will you learn with?

My passion is addiction education as I believe it is a key element of any strategic response framework assisting and enabling individuals and communities caught up this public health challenge.

I am a Professor of Social Care at Middlesex University with an interest in the quality of care of older people from marginalised communities. I have a background in nursing and social work.

I am a social worker by trade, with 20 years of experience working in the addiction sector. I am currently with Matua Raki the national addiction workforce development centre here in New Zealand

I have 20+ years of experience as a social worker & counsellor in the addiction sector. I'm now with the Matua Raki Addiction Workforce Development Centre in NZ.
Recovery from addiction is a reality.

Allan is the Deputy Director (Programs) at NCETA, Flinders University, South Australia. He has been at NCETA since 2008 and has worked as a researcher, policy adviser and project manager.

Kia ora. I was born and raised in Whanganui and affiliate to the Awa and Ngati Raukawa. I have worked in the Maori health and educator sector for around 13 years and am now with Matua Raki

Who developed the course?

Middlesex University Business School

Founded in the 1960s, Middlesex University Business School is one of the largest Business Schools in the UK.

Matua Raki

Addiction organisations and practitioners can utilise our evidence-based workforce development solutions and support to improve and develop welcoming, hopeful and effective services.

National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)

National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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