Ch 13 Aging and the Elderly

Aging and the Elderly

The Sociology of Aging and Ageism

• Gerontology: Field of science focused on the aging process and challenges faced by seniors.

• Social Gerontology: Specialized field examining the social aspects of aging.

• Cohort: Group sharing a demographic trait.

• Cohort Studies: Investigate social traits, relevant beyond aging.

Defining Youth, Adulthood, and Aging

• Perceptions of Aging: Influenced by societal views and media representations.

• Social Construction of Age: Conceptual frameworks defining age stages.

• Life Expectancy vs. Quality of Life: Importance of not just lifespan but also well-being.

• Generational Categories:

  • Baby Boomers

  • Gen X

  • Millennials

  • Gen Z (1995-2009)

  • Gen Alpha (2010-2024)

• Impact of Aging Generations: Alters social and structural dynamics in society.

• Global Context: Consideration of Dependency Ratio and its implications for society.

Aging as a Process

• Frameworks to Consider: Biological, Psychological, Social, Cultural, Emotional.

• Senescence: The process of aging involving various changes.

• Biological Changes: Differentiation between primary (natural) and secondary (environmental/lifestyle) aging.

• Social and Psychological Factors: Relationships, engagement with institutions, and emotional aspects of aging.

• Aging and Sexuality: Exploration of sexuality in later life.

• Death and Dying: Understanding grief and the study of death (Thanatology).

Caregiving

• Medical Practices: Frameworks within healthcare for elderly care.

• Hospice Care: Support for terminally ill patients and their families.

• Elder Abuse Awareness: Importance of recognizing and preventing abuse.

• Social Emotional Considerations: The significance of familial relationships and emotional support.

• Home vs. Institutional Care: Quality of life considerations in various care settings.

• Labor Issues: Role of caregiving in the workforce and its challenges.

• Social Factors: Impact of gender, class, and race on caregiving.

Age and Inequality

• Ageism: Discrimination based on age and its social implications.

• Gerontocracy: Societal power held by older individuals.

• Intersectionality in Aging: Understanding diverse experiences and risks associated with aging.

Aging and Theoretical Frameworks

• Structural Functionalism: Analyzes societal functions of aging.

• Disengagement Theory: Natural withdrawal from society with aging.

• Activity Theory: Emphasizes activity levels for happiness and well-being.

• Continuity Theory: Focus on maintaining consistency in personality and social structures.

• Symbolic Interaction Theory: Examines the subculture among aged individuals.

• Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory: Focus on adapting strategies for successful aging.

• Gerotranscendence Theory: Shift in perceptions and values with aging.

• Conflict Theory: Links the loss of influence to modernization and industrialization.

• Age Stratification Theory: Proposes stratification by age similarly to race and gender.

• Exchange Theory: Details increased dependency that occurs with aging.