Chapter 11: Aging and the Elderly

Objectives (slide 1 of 2)11.1 Aging and Becoming Elderly• Illustrate the biological and psychological changes that occur

as we age.• Describe the social constructs of aging.• Analyze the impact of the aging population from a global

perspective.11.2 The Graying of America• Examine the demographic factors related to the graying of

America.• Discuss the consequences of aging for different genders and

minorities.

Objectives (slide 2 of 2)

11.3 Sociological Perspectives in Aging• Analyze the different theoretical views of aging.11.4 Death and Dying• Illustrate different examples of how people respond to

the prospect of death and the implications for quality of life and closure for both the dying and their families.

11.5 Aging and the Elderly: Revisiting Cultural Expectations• Discuss some of the common misconceptions of the

elderly and their impact on the aging demographic.

Biological and Psychological Changes

• Biological markers of aging include:– Declines in the senses (vision, hearing, taste,

touch, smell)– Declines in overall strength and fitness– Increased chance of chronic illness– Psychological changes• Alzheimer’s disease: An incurable degeneration of the

brain leading to a progressive loss of mental capacity.

The Social Construction of Aging

• Chronological age: The number of years since birth• Biological age: Changes in physical characteristics

such as graying hair, wrinkles, declining health, reduced strength, and greater susceptibility to injuries

• Social age: Changes in the social and/or economic roles the person can competently perform

• Young old: People between 65 and 74 years of age• Old old: People between 75 and 84• Oldest old: People 85 and older

Aging in a Global Perspective• How old is old in different regions of the

world?• Geronticide: The killing of the aged• Gerontocracy: Rule by the aged

Modernization Theory of Aging

• The status of the elderly declines in more modern societies.

• Industrial, urbanized societies discourage the extended family that provides support to the elderly in more traditional societies.

The Increased Global Significance of Aging

• The percentage of the population age 60 and older is increasing dramatically throughout the world.

• Developed regions have the oldest populations and an increased economic burden of supporting the elderly.

The Increased Average Age of the Population

• Since 1900, the average age of the population of the United States has been increasing.

• By 2040, people 75 and older will be more than half of the elderly.

Life Expectancy and Birth Rates

• Demographic factors:– Life expectancy: The average number of years

people are expected to live– In the United States, birth rates increased

dramatically during the Baby Boom. As these Boomers reach 65, and the relative size of the younger cohort populations is smaller, an increased proportion of the population is becoming elderly.

Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender

• The sex ratio of women to men increases with age.

• Women are more likely to outlive their husbands and live alone than men.

• Minority populations tend to be younger than non-Hispanic whites.

Structural-Functional Theory• Structural-functional theory looks at aging in

terms of its consequences for society as a whole.

• Disengagement theory suggests that society benefits when aging people are eased out of positions of responsibility.– Most sociologists do not regard this theory as

valid because elders are as likely to increase some activities as to decrease them.

Symbolic Interactionism• Symbolic interactionism focuses on the

individual.– Activity theory argues that an elderly person who

remains active will be the best adjusted.– Continuity theory posits that individuals adapt in

ways that preserve continuity over their lifetimes.

Conflict Theory

• Conflict theory argues that old age is socially constructed to support the needs of the economy at the expense of the elderly.

• Generational equity: The concept of a balance in costs and benefits going to each generation

• Age dependency ratio for the elderly: The ratio of people 65 and older to the working-age population

Life Course Perspectives

• The life course perspectives recognize that advantages and disadvantages accumulate throughout life, leading to increasing diversity among the elderly.

• Age cohort: People born within the same time frame who experience different “ages” as they age together

Death and Dying• Singularity: The point in time at which computer intelligence will equal

human intelligence• Code blue: A hospital emergency code indicating a patient is in need of

resuscitation• Advance directive (AD): A statement by an individual communicating

preferences for his or her own health care under possible future circumstances that might make it impossible for the patient to make those decisions

• Living will: A written document in which a patient expresses his or her wishes regarding use of life support measures in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury. No code order/do not resuscitate (DNR) order: A written order from a doctor directing that resuscitation not be attempted if the patient goes into cardiac or respiratory arrest

The Dying Process: Coping, Bereavement, and a “Good Death”

• Steps in the grieving process:1. Denial2. Anger3. Bargaining4. Resignation5. Acceptance

Perceptions, Stereotypes, and Ageism

• Ageism: Prejudice and discrimination against the elderly, usually based on negative stereotypes

• Age segregation is a result of efforts by the nonelderly to exclude elderly residents from their neighborhoods.

Nursing Homes• In 2009, 4.1% of people 65 and older lived in

institutional settings.• The percentage of institutionalization increases

with age.• Elder abuse is the intentional actions by a

caregiver or trusted person that:– Cause harm or risk of harm (even if unintended)– Fail to protect the elder from harm or to meet basic

needs

Aging, Labor Force Participation, and Retirement

Poverty Rates by Age: 1959–2009

Poverty Rates among Elderly by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

The Future of Old Age and Political Participation

• The elderly are more active in politics than other age groups.

• The AARP provides benefits to the elderly population and serves as a political lobby for the elderly.