6: Aging and Ageism
- Page ID
- 14485
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 6.1: The Concept and Experience of Aging
- This page introduces social gerontology, focusing on the social aspects of aging, essential for understanding this life stage. It defines aging through four dimensions: chronological, biological, psychological, and social. The societal perception of aging, often negative in the U.S., significantly impacts individual experiences. Grasping these dimensions and their societal implications is vital for addressing the challenges that older adults encounter.
- 6.2: Perspectives on Aging
- This page explores three aging theories: disengagement theory advocates for seniors stepping back for societal stability but is criticized for undervaluing their abilities; activity theory promotes staying active but may neglect external barriers; conflict theory highlights ageism and inequalities. Each theory offers unique perspectives on social aging and its broader implications.
- 6.3: Life Expectancy and the Graying of Society
- This page discusses global life expectancy disparities, highlighting that wealthier countries average over 75 years while many African nations fall below 60. It attributes these differences to historical, societal, and healthcare access factors. As life expectancy increases, especially in poorer regions, it poses challenges in healthcare and aging populations. In the U.S., rising life expectancy among the elderly affects elder care.
- 6.4: Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging
- This page examines societal views on aging, addressing biological changes and combating negative stereotypes. It emphasizes the importance of healthy practices for successful aging and the significant role of grandparents in child-rearing, calling for greater support for them.
- 6.5: Problems Facing Older Americans
- This page outlines the demographic profile and challenges faced by older Americans, including health issues, financial insecurity, and age discrimination. It reveals that many elderly people live below the poverty line, particularly women and minorities, and highlights the high costs of nursing homes coupled with inadequate care. In contrast to other countries like the Netherlands, U.S. support systems appear insufficient.
- 6.6: Reducing Ageism and Helping Older Americans
- This page examines the future of older Americans, emphasizing the growing elderly population, particularly due to baby boomers. It notes their improved education and wealth but highlights inequalities faced by women and people of color. The text advocates for enhanced social programs, flexible jobs, and combating ageism, while suggesting investments in younger generations. It also recommends learning from other Western democracies to better support older citizens.
- 6.7: End-of-Chapter Material
- This page discusses gerontology, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. It highlights societal perceptions of aging and theories like disengagement and activity theory. With increasing life expectancy, older Americans face challenges in health care, financial security, and elder abuse, often holding conservative views. Advocacy is addressing these issues, and suggestions to combat ageism include volunteering, awareness-raising, and addressing stereotypes.