Sociology chapter 12

What is the "graying" of the US population?

People are having less kids and living longer causing an increase proportion of society population of the elderly.

Compare and contrast biological, psychological, and social aging processes?

Biological- the study of physical decline in the elderly (loosing eye sight, loss of hearing, ect.)

Psychological- studying the decline in the brains Memory, intelligence, and reasoning skills.

Social- the studying of the social norms and values found in society (the views that elderly are incapable of healthy sex life, ect.)

How has technology affected the processes of biological, psychological, and social aging?

Technology allows the elderly to fix different aspects of aging.

Biological- they can get surgery on their eyes, ears, knees, and other deteriorating parts that need replacing.

Psychological and Social- they have the option to boost their sex drive or there energy levels through pills and other medications.

summarize the three theoretical frameworks used to describe the nature of aging in US society.

Socioemotional selective theory- less effort in maintaining relationships as you age.

activity theory- engaged people are more likely to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

continuity theory- older adults' well-being is enhanced when their activities are similar to those done earlier in life.

What are the main criticisms of functionalism and conflict theory?

They target specific groups, for example the conflict theory is fared the worse for low income women.

What are the 3 themes of the life course perspective?

Relationships, events, and experiences of early life have consequences later in life.

Describe the processes of cumulative adversity and its advantages over the life course.

Those who begin life with adversity are more likely to continue to experience it. It makes their transitions in life easier to predict.

Contrast the young old, old old, and oldest old.

The young old are most likely to be economically independent, healthy, active, and engaged; the oldest old, the fastest-growing segment of the elderly population, are most likely to encounter difficulties such as poor health, financial insecurity, isolation, and loneliness.

Describe four common problems older Americans often confront

poor health, financial insecurity, isolation, and loneliness.

What characteristics differentiate those older adults who are emotionally physically well from those who face great distress in later life?

Persons who face greater distress are often subject to either social or emotional loneliness, or often both. The worst are widowed persons, those living alone, or those living far away form their family or friends consistently report higher levels of loneliness

What is generational equity?

generational equity- the striking of a balance between the needs and interests of members of different generations

Describe the debate surrounding social security and medicare programs in the US

Social security was not established to be the sole financial income for retirees, but now makes up more than 90 percent of income for over one-third of older adults. Programs such as SS and medicare will become increasingly costly as more and more Americans retire and live long lives after they retire

What are the implications of the graying world population for social policy?

As our population ages, there are fewer young working bodies to pay for the older population.

What are possible solutions to the caregivers shortage?

Solutions to the caregiver shortage focus on improving recruitment and retention through competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and career development.