Week 1: Aging today

Gerontology

Geron (old person) + logia (study of)

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

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\*(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

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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

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__**Discrimination:**__

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

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__**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

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Prejudice

* we decide based on our beliefs

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Discrimination

* we act based on our beliefs

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= __**AGESIM**__

Agism

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

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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

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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

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* 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

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* 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

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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