Chapter 2 Notes: Social Gerontology

Social Gerontology Notes

Chapter Objectives

  • Define gerontology and how it differs from geriatrics.

  • Define ageism and explain why it is harmful to the health and well-being of older adults.

  • Identify and describe some of the social roles adults might hold in later life.

  • Describe the importance and focus of social relationships in late life.

  • Define elder abuse and describe the general characteristics of victims and abusers.

  • Define mandated reporter and describe the signs of potential abuse.

  • Explain why some older adults choose to work in late life.

Defining Gerontology

  • Gerontology: scientific study of aging; examines biological, psychological, and sociological (biopsychosocial) factors associated with old age and aging.
  • Geriatrics: medical term for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and health problems specific to older adults.

Historical Perspectives on Aging

  • Preindustrial and agrarian societies: older adults valued for experience, insight, and wisdom.
  • Industrial societies: older adults generally less valued.
  • Older American Act (OAA) of 19651965: language to address needs and rights of older adults.

Theories About Aging (1 of 7 to 7 of 7)

  • Disengagement theory: Older adults intentionally remove themselves from social roles and responsibilities to allow younger and healthier adults to take their place as productive members in society.
  • Activity theory: Older adults are happier and healthier when they remain engaged in daily life and social interactions; they replace previous opportunities with new ones.
  • Continuity theory: People remain consistent in how they live their life, manage their relationships, and exhibit their personalities even as their physical, mental, and social status changes.
  • Biopsychosocial approach: Combines theoretical frameworks; examines issues using a nuanced lens to illuminate experiences and needs of unique or hidden populations not identified in other research.
  • Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Aging:
    • Primary aging: natural body deterioration through the life span.
    • Secondary aging: illnesses and diseases that hasten the aging process, may relate to health practices.
    • Tertiary aging: increased cognitive and physical decline in the period before death.
  • Programmed theories of aging:
    • Somatic mutation theory: varying rates of mutagenesis and DNA repair affect longevity.
    • Endocrine theory: biological clocks and hormone regulation control the rate of aging.
    • Immunological theory: immune system erodes over time.
  • Environmental theories of aging:
    • Wear-and-tear theory: aging inevitable as cells, tissues, and organs wear out from continued use.
    • Rate-of-living theory: variation in life span linked to metabolic rates per gram of metabolizing tissue across species.
    • Free radical theory: cellular aging attributed to free radicals.

Ageism (1 of 6 to 6 of 6)

  • Based on stereotypes, myths about aging, and language that conjure up negative images of older adults.

  • Detrimental to society; can limit opportunities and access to resources; the worst form leads to elder abuse, mistreatment, and neglect.

  • Ageist stereotypes: set roles or categories into which older adults are placed by ageist comments.

  • Myths about aging: blanket generalizations about older adults perpetuated by society.

  • Examples of myths:

    • They are either very rich or very poor.
    • They are senile.
    • They are neither interested in nor have the capacity for sexual relations.
    • They are very religious.
    • They are unable to adapt to change.
    • They tend to be pretty much alike.

  • Ageist language: insensitive terms (e.g., Geezer, old coot, hag, biddy; Q-tip, fossil, blue hair, old buck, codger; Over the hill, out to pasture; Gone senile or set in their ways).

  • Ageist attitudes of healthcare professionals: viewing older patients sympathetically as “poor old dears” may devalue abilities; may use terms like MFP, VAC, bed blocker, GOMER, or TMB; negative attitudes may stem from frustration, helplessness, or reminders of mortality.

  • Media stereotyping: films/TV portray older adults in inaccurate, demeaning ways; ads often show them at their worst.

Social Roles in the Second Half of Life (1 of 8 to 8 of 8)

  • Social roles: useful for identifying, defining, and validating individuals; define positions and support social norms/expectations; persist throughout life and tend to be constant in late life.
  • Retiree: transition from daily recognition/involvement to limited recognition and possible isolation; planning finances, routines, hobbies, habits, and social interactions can ease this transition.
  • Grandparent: role many adults look forward to; five types:
    • Distance figures
    • Fun-seekers
    • Surrogate parents
    • Formal
    • Reservoirs of family wisdom
  • Not a static role: must be responsive to extended family needs; can support grandchildren via childcare, educational costs, large-expense deposits.
  • Surrogate parent: grandparents increasingly assuming primary parental role in raising grandchildren; can be demanding; community support programs available.
  • Caregiver: caregiving can emerge slowly or after illness/accident; adult children often unaware of parents’ daily routines until a health crisis; “sandwich generation” cares for both children and parents.
  • Social roles in context: Western societies emphasize individualism; Asian and Pacific Island cultures are collectivist; the role of older adults in the household varies by social expectations.
  • Collectivism and disability: collectivism not always beneficial for people with disabilities; strong belief in individualism has produced legislation for protection and accommodations for long-term disabilities.

Social Relationships (1 of 6 to 6 of 6)

  • Personal relationships: maintaining social relationships benefits physical, emotional, and psychological health; importance persists with aging.
  • Social network evolves as a convoy of support; some relationships are deliberately shortened or distanced with age.
  • Computers and social media: help older adults stay connected with family/friends, reconnect with old friends, develop new relationships; increasingly use email and social media to maintain contact.
  • The aging couple: retirement timing can cause friction; some couples do not grow old together; some relationships improve or renew; same-sex couples are similar to opposite-sex relationships in many ways.
  • Aging parent and adult child: relationships vary; generally positive involvement between generations; potential strain for various reasons.
  • Never-married or childless in late life: not deprived of emotional support; adjust by expanding social network to include non-traditional relationships; fictive kin treated as family with close bonds.
  • Friendships: older adults tend to form friendships with people similar to themselves; women have more friends and engage differently; friendships may be lost or become inactive, causing a sense of loss.

Elder Abuse (1 of 7 to 7 of 7)

  • CDC definition: “intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder.”
  • Abuse may persist from years prior or begin late in life; rarely reported; does not necessarily occur in isolation.
  • Types of elder abuse:
    • Physical
    • Psychological
    • Sexual
    • Exploitative/Financial
    • Neglect
    • Self Neglect
    • Abandonment
  • Victims' characteristics: often isolated from social networks; many experience physical/mental health problems; may not report abuse due to fear of losing services.
  • Self-neglect: can permeate all aspects of life; interventions are difficult because the victim may not participate; must honor autonomy and legal right to live as they choose.
  • Signs of elder abuse:
    • Unexplained cuts, bruises, pressure ulcers
    • Unexplained STDs
    • Lack of personal care despite resources
    • Lack of basic hygiene; home is filthy
    • Property transfers
    • Elder is isolated
  • Mandated reporting: all states have laws against elder abuse; mandated reporters typically include healthcare professionals and social workers; APS (Adult Protective Services) agencies are frontline responders.
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (LTCO): advocates for residents in long-term care facilities; operate within geographic regions; can receive reports or work with APS to resolve abuse problems in facilities.

Employment and Civic Engagement (1 of 4 to 4 of 4)

  • Longer lifespans lead to desire to continue working for various reasons; older workers viewed as an untapped resource.
  • Bridge employment: transition from full-time to part-time work, then to full retirement.
  • Workplace discrimination: prohibited by federal law but still common; overlooks advantages of hiring older workers; adult learning theory supports learning for older workers when training matches needs; bias is common when older workers are asked to retire early.
  • Retirement: no universal, abrupt loss of ability at age 65 or any fixed age; today’s retirees can spend 2020 or more years in retirement; many continue working after retirement.
  • Decision-making in retirement: key considerations include financialfinancial and socialsocial resources; spouse/partner retirement plans; desire to continue working, start a new career, or volunteer; desire to stay in the same area or move.

Advocacy Groups (1 of 3 to 3 of 3)

  • AARP: nonprofit, nonpartisan organization; mission: to “enhance the quality of life for all of us as we age”; advocates for social change via information, advocacy, and service; represents adults of all ethnicities and cultures in the United States.
  • Gray Panthers: founded in 19701970; reorganized in 2015 as the National Council of Gray Panthers Networks; mission: to create a humane society that prioritizes people over profits, responsibility over power, and democracy over institutions.
  • Senior Service America (SSA): formerly the National Council of Senior Citizens; founded by the AFL-CIO in 19611961; broader purpose beyond retirement; involved in legislative issues including the OAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and employment training opportunities.