Midlife and Aging Notes

Definition of midlife: 45 - 65 years old
Definition of old age: 65 years and older
Age Cohort: Group of people born within the same decade.
Ageism: Prejudice and discrimination based on age.
- 82% of seniors report experiencing ageism. (might be higher bc denial of personal discrimination)
- Discrimination includes medical care and employment sectors.
- Internalized ageism can lead to issues such as depression and infantilization.

Women's aging perceived differently than men's:
- Older Women: Seen as “old” earlier, valued on attractiveness and reproductive ability. (linked to the idea that women are property)
- Older Men: Judged on achievements.
- Language reflecting ageism includes terms like "silver fox," "sugar daddy," "cougar," and "spinster."
Research shows men are more distressed by decline in physical health, while women are more bothered by changes in appearance.

Individualistic Cultures: Value autonomy, independence, productivity—these traits become more challenging with age.
Collectivistic Cultures: Value interdependence, making reliance on others for assistance less stigmatized.
Respect and admiration for elders vary significantly between different societies, impacting their status and power.

Individuals often internalize ageism, leading to negative perceptions of aging:
- Quote: "We deny that we are aging, and when we are forced to confront it, we treat it as ugly and tragic." (Calasanti & Slevin)
There exists a discrepancy between how individuals feel about their age (subjective) and how society views them (chronological).

Stereotypes such as “grannies” and “witches” create pressure:
- Risk of confirming stereotypes leads to poorer performance in cognitive tasks, impacting areas like medical care.
- Study showed younger males scored higher in enthusiasm and expressiveness compared to older demographics.

Women generally live longer than men but also have higher rates of chronic illness:
- Top causes of death for American women: Heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease.
Conditions impacting quality of life (varicose veins, spinal degeneration) are more prevalent among women over 75.
Chronic illnesses are associated with depression and contribute to changes in self-identity.
Importance of regular physical activity to maintain health into older age.

Occurs between ages 40 - 60 as a result of decreased estrogen and progesterone production.
Symptoms include hot flashes, changes in vaginal health, and moodiness.
Excessive framing of menopause as a disease can lead to harmful treatments; estrogen/hormone replacement therapy may pose risks.

Aging, especially among women, is often commercialized:
- "Beauty work" driven by outcomes like workplace discrimination, societal pressure to attract a partner, and the invisibility felt by older women.

Nearly half of women over 65 are widows and often live 15 years post-loss:
- Women tend to cope better than men with less severity in depression and physical ailments.
- Men lose both a spouse and caregiver, while women often anticipate widowhood.
- Research indicates better support networks do not significantly improve wellbeing after loss.

Transition into grandmotherhood offers meaning and purpose, yet is often involuntary:
- Cultural significance varies greatly, with some cultures emphasizing matriarch roles for grandmothers to pass down knowledge (e.g., Native American traditions).

In heterosexual relationships, wives typically take the responsibility for caring for husbands, impacting their health:
- Women often manage caring for aging parents while balancing their own jobs and familial responsibilities, labeled as “women in the middle.”

Trends show lower frequency of self-references and a greater focus on relationship building:
- Older men show more interest in committed relationships compared to older women, who may be less inclined toward remarrying.

Recognition of how society treats aging individuals, particularly women, influences self-perception and societal value.