9: Aging and the Elderly
- Page ID
- 2066
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 9.1: Prelude to Aging and the Elderly
- This page explores the contributions of older Americans, showcasing how they leverage their life experiences for community benefit. It contrasts this with the diminishing status of the elderly among the San people of the Kalahari Desert, who were once revered for their wisdom but have seen their cultural significance fade due to modern changes. This comparison highlights the varying societal values related to aging and its impact on the respect and roles of older individuals across cultures.
- 9.2: Gerontology and the Concept of Aging
- This page highlights the importance of understanding age and aging in both societal and individual contexts, identifying four dimensions: chronological, biological, psychological, and social. It explains biological aging as physical changes, psychological aging as mental shifts, and social aging as evolving roles influenced by culture. The field of gerontology plays a crucial role in preparing for personal aging and grasping societal views of the elderly.
- 9.3: The Perception and Experience of Aging
- This page examines how perceptions of aging have changed across societies and historical eras. It highlights that in preindustrial societies, the respect for elders was linked to their health and economic contribution, contrasting the reverence seen in ancient Greece and Rome with the burdened view in the Middle Ages. It also notes the decline of elder authority in the U.S.
- 9.4: Sociological Perspectives on Aging
- This page presents three aging theories: disengagement theory advocates for older adults' withdrawal for societal stability but is critiqued for underestimating their value; activity theory promotes the benefits of staying active but may overlook structural inequalities; conflict theory focuses on ageism and socio-economic disparities, emphasizing how these factors shape aging experiences.
- 9.5: Life Expectancy, Aging, and the Graying of Society
- This page examines global life expectancy disparities driven by wealth, with wealthier nations averaging over 75 years, while poorer countries struggle below 55 years due to health issues. It projects an increase in older populations worldwide by 2050, raising concerns about elder care. In the U.S., disparities exist within the population, influenced by race, gender, and socioeconomic status, with women generally living longer than men and white males faring better than African American males.
- 9.6: Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging
- This page explores societal views on aging, highlighting persistent negative stereotypes despite the varied vitality of older adults. It details biological and cognitive changes that occur with age and cites health statistics. Successful aging is achievable through healthy lifestyle choices, social networks, and religious involvement, which improve psychological well-being.
- 9.7: The U.S. Elderly
- This page provides an overview of the demographics and challenges faced by the elderly in the U.S., emphasizing women's representation among those 65+. It addresses healthcare issues, the inadequacies of nursing homes and Social Security, and the financial strain on elderly individuals. It also highlights employment difficulties, social isolation, elder abuse, and increasing political engagement among seniors through organizations like AARP.
- 9.S: Aging and the Elderly (Summary)
- This page explores gerontology, emphasizing aging's biological, psychological, and social aspects, and the varying cultural perceptions of the elderly across time. Factors such as health and economic status shape views, reflecting historical changes in respect and treatment. Theoretical frameworks discussed include disengagement, activity, and conflict theories. Increasing longevity poses challenges for social services, highlighting disparities among elders.