Chapter 6 Study Guide on Aging

This set of flashcards covers critical concepts from Chapter 6 on Aging, including social constructs, demographic trends, theories of aging, and related social issues.

What is the process of aging described as?

A complex process resulting in various outcomes.

How is age more than just a chronological number?

It encompasses social, economic, and personal factors.

How is aging discussed as a socially constructed problem?

It reflects societal norms and values influencing perceptions of aging.

What significant changes occurred in societal norms for the elderly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

Shift from familial care to institutional care for the elderly.

What are welfare state policies?

Government programs designed to support citizens' well-being.

Can you name some examples of welfare state policies?

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.

What is the 'political vortex' regarding social policy affecting the elderly?

A complex interaction of interests influencing policies for the elderly.

What is ageism?

Discrimination against individuals based on their age.

How do media stereotypes contribute to ageism?

They often perpetuate negative views and misconceptions about the elderly.

How does ageism portray aging as a socially constructed problem?

It reinforces stereotypes that create societal misconceptions about elderly individuals.

What are some inaccurate myths about the elderly?

Elderly are not capable, unproductive, or always in poor health.

What is fertility rate?

The average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.

What is life expectancy?

The average period a person is expected to live.

What is sex ratio?

The ratio of males to females in a population.

What is child dependency ratio?

The ratio of dependents (children) to the working-age population.

What is old-age dependency?

The ratio of elderly dependents to the working-age population.

What is total dependency ratio?

The ratio of all dependents (children and elderly) to the working-age population.

What are some consequences of declining fertility rates?

A smaller younger population and increased pressure on social support systems.

How do demographic changes within families affect adult children?

Increased caregiving responsibilities and financial pressures.

How do economics factor into aging being defined as a social problem?

Aging increases healthcare costs and affects social support funding.

What is the poverty rate?

The percentage of the population living below the poverty line.

How is likelihood of poverty related to aging?

Older individuals often face higher poverty rates due to fixed incomes.

How are sex, race, ethnicity, and marital status related to economics and aging?

These factors influence access to resources and support systems.

How do welfare state policies, such as Social Security, relate to aging?

They provide financial support and healthcare for the elderly.

What is Medicare?

A federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older.

What is Medicaid?

A joint federal and state program helping with medical costs for those with limited income.

Have the costs for Medicare and Medicaid gone up or down over time?

Costs have generally gone up due to rising healthcare expenses.

Why is the future of Medicare and Medicaid uncertain?

Due to funding issues and the increasing elderly population.

What is a gerontocracy?

A form of social organization where older individuals dominate.

Do the elderly have a significant presence in politics?

Yes, they tend to be active voters and engage in political discourse.

Are older people more likely to vote than other age groups?

Yes, they generally have higher voter turnout rates.

What is generational inequity?

Unequal treatment of different age groups in social policies.

How do social policies influence the elderly in the political process?

They can affect voting behavior and political priorities.

How do older people's beliefs about crime victimization differ from statistics?

They often believe they are more likely to be victims than they actually are.

Are older people a fast-growing segment of the American prison population?

Yes, this demographic is increasing in incarceration rates.

Will the percentage of older-age people in the developing world be increasing faster or slower than in the developed world?

Faster in the developing world.

Will these demographic changes impact social landscapes globally?

Yes, they will influence economic and social structures.

How will changes in demographics affect pensioners in Italy and Japan?

Increased financial strain on pension systems and potential economic challenges.

What is a manifest function of the retirement system?

To provide individuals with time to withdraw from the workforce.

What is a latent function of retirement?

It helps create job openings for younger generations.

How does retirement contribute to societal well-being?

By facilitating transitions and supporting economic stability.

How would not retiring on time be viewed as 'dysfunctional'?

It disrupts the expected transition and can harm job availability.

How does inherent inequality influence social norms and values?

The dominant group can impose their views on less powerful groups.

How are baby boomers positioned against the latest boomers according to conflict theory?

The government and private sector exploit their differences.

What role does the government play in providing services to the less fortunate?

To address inequalities and provide necessary support.

What does symbolic interactionism assume about individuals and cultural symbols?

Individuals communicate meanings and attributes through shared symbols.

How has mass media labeled aging adults negatively?

By portraying them in reductive or unfavorable stereotypes.

What are some consequences of negative labeling from the media?

Stigmatization, misperceptions, and social isolation of the elderly.

When did activity theory originate?

In the mid-20th century.

Upon which other theoretical approach is activity theory built?

The continuity theory.

How does activity theory counter disengagement theory?

It suggests that staying active leads to greater satisfaction.

What are some criticisms of activity theory?

It may oversimplify aging and overlook individual preferences.

What factors are examined in the political economy of aging?

Economic, social, and political influences on aging.

What are the basic tenets of the political economy of aging?

Inequities in resources, power dynamics, and societal structures.

What is 'normal aging' in continuity theory?

The process of aging that follows a predictable trajectory.

What are internal continuity and external continuity?

Internal continuity relates to personal beliefs; external refers to consistency in environment.

What are some criticisms of continuity theory?

It may not account for unexpected life changes and diversity in experiences.

What are the assumptions of the life course paradigm?

Aging is a lifelong process influenced by historical and social contexts.

How does cumulative inequality perspective build on life course theory?

It highlights how inequalities accumulate over time affecting later life outcomes.

How does inequality affect individuals in later life?

It impacts health, financial stability, and access to services.