Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy Course 2026

This course will consider relevant theories of ageing, the forms of elder abuse and how various laws impact on older people.

Areas of study

  • theories of ageing and the interdisciplinary nature of ageing

  • policy considerations associated with the ageing population

  • elder abuse

  • accommodation

  • carers

  • aged care

  • discrimination

  • vulnerable older people

  • financial matters

  • estate planning

  • income supplements

  • medical and health issues

  • capacity

  • end of life legal issues

Course outcomes

  • Appreciate legal and policy issues impacting upon older people and apply this understanding to identify appropriate legal responses.

  • Critically analyse existing law as to how it caters for an ageing population and canvass proposals for reform.

  • Examine effective communication with older clients.

  • Investigate ethical obligations of a legal practitioner in relation to older clients.