Week 1: Aging today

Gerontology

Gerontology

Geron (old person) + logia (study of)

→ Defines as the scientific study of old age and the process of growing old

*(different from geriatrics - which is a medicine specialty for treatment of disease related to older age)

gerontology looks at aging from 2 points of view:

1. how aging affects the individual

2. how an aging population will change society

2 Goals of Gerontology

1. Scholars and researchers work to produce accurate knowledge about aging

2. Professionals who work with older people apply this knowledge to create a better life for their clients.

Prejudice vs discrimination vs stereotypes

Prejudice:

• bias against someone or something

• a negative judgement formed beforehand without knowledge of facts

Discrimination:

• unfair treatment of a person or group based on prejudice rather that merit

Stereotypes:

• Exaggerated and often prejudiced views of a type of person or group of people

  • we hold both neg and positive stereotypes

the phenomenon of aging as a whole and health-related issues

• mutual interactions between aging, environment and the society

• interdisciplinary approach

• with a focus on Canada

changes in social structure

• family structure

  • 3 and more generations may live simultaneously and/or in the same household

• education and job market

  • healthier adults active in society

• health and social policies

changes in population health

• more chronic diseases and disability

  • chronic conditions do not always lead to activity restriction

• more need for health care services

  • different types: long-term care vs. hospitals

• more cost?

  • ‘Aging” is responsible for only 1% of yearly increase in health care costs

chronic condition statistics

in adults 65+

• 46% have 2-3 chronic conditions

• 16.6% have 4 or more chronic conditions

aging and mental health statistics

levels of happiness and life satisfaction are higher in older adults compared to 25-64yr group

• almost 70% of older adults perceive their mental health ‘excellent’ or ‘good’

definition of a myth

A widespread belief that is not well supported by evidence

……… → …….. → ……. =

stereotyping

• beliefs not well supported by evidence

+

Prejudice

• we decide based on our beliefs

+

Discrimination

• we act based on our beliefs

= AGESIM

Agism

“the 3rd great ‘ism’ in Canadian society”

agism occurs because:

• the young and middle aged feel distaste for aging

• they see old age as a time of weakness, sickness, and dying

• people know little about old age and what they do know is based on myth and fear

how do you fight ageism?

• demystifying the myths

  • by education

myth or truth?

“As people grow old deterioration in physical health is inevitable”

to some extent… yes its true

eg. wear and tear

• Self perception is the key

• physical activity, social engagement, healthy diet can modify ‘aging’ process

myth or truth?

“Despite experience, older people can not have useful economic contributions”

• productive workers don’t become dependent the day they turn 65

  • no age limit to talent and creativity

  • some professions suits better with older age

• some issues in the use of new technologies but more time and patience to teach children, transmitting traditions

myth or truth?

“Resources used for older adults will be wasted and there are better uses for them”

• many safety built environment, work condition, public transportation interventions benefit all

• having a healthy and independent older population saves money

Elderspeak

simplified speech (baby talk) that younger people use to speak to older people

eg. dearie, cutie, sweetie

negative effects:

• creates low self esteem

• reduces effective communication

• decreases quality of interaction

• reduces older persons sense of control

By 2030, almost __% of Canadas population will be over the age of 65

25

modernization theory

social status declines as people age

chronic illnesses make up __% of all worldwide deaths

71

__ million Canadians live with a disibility

1.4

(in in 3 older Canadians)

sense thresholds

the points at which a person can begin to perceive a stimulus, begin to increase as early as age 30, and by age 60 most people notice changes in their senses.

falls make up __% of seniors hospital related injuries

85