Ageing and Ageism Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and international frameworks related to biology of ageing, demographic shifts, active and healthy ageing, and ageism based on lecture transcripts.

Ageing

A natural process of gradual, spontaneous, and progressive change leading to deterioration in functional capacity and an inability to restore homeostasis.

Population aging

A demographic change characterized by a decline in the proportion of children and young people and an increase in the proportion of people aged $60$ and over.

Primary drivers of population aging

The continued decline in fertility rates and increased life expectancy.

Global Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live, cited as $72$ years globally in the lecture.

Life Expectancy in India and Kerala

The lecture identifies life expectancy for India as $73$ years and for Kerala as $75$ years.

Vulnerabilities of ageing

Challenges including failing health, loss of family support, sharing of scarce national resources, and decreasing financial resources.

Active Ageing (WHO definition)

The process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.

Autonomy

The perceived ability to control, cope with, and make personal decisions about how one lives on a day-to-day basis.

Independence

The capacity of living independently in the community with no and/or little help from others, performing functions related to daily living.

Quality of life

An individual's perception of their position in life within the context of their culture and value system, related to goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.

Healthy life expectancy

The duration of time people can expect to live without disabilities.

Needs-Based Approach

An approach to active ageing where older adults are viewed primarily as passive recipients of care.

Rights-Based Approach

An approach founded on the principles of independence, participation, dignity, care, and self-fulfillment.

Life Course Approach to Active Ageing

A perspective viewing ageing as a lifelong process where old-age well-being is shaped by experiences and environmental factors throughout the entire lifespan.

Active Ageing Index (AAI)

A tool used to measure the untapped potential of older people for active and healthy ageing across countries, focusing on employment, social participation, and independent living.

Healthy Ageing

The process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.

Intrinsic Capacity

The combination of an individual's physical and mental abilities, which influences healthy ageing.

Ageism

The stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age, appearing as prejudicial attitudes or institutional policies.

Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing

The first international instrument on ageing, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in $1982$.

International Day of Older Persons

Established by Resolution $45/106$ and observed annually on October $1$ to raise awareness about the impact of an aging population.

Second World Assembly on Ageing

A meeting held in Madrid, Spain, in April $2002$, resulting in the Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

Three priority themes of the Madrid International Plan

Older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.