1. Aging and the Elderly
Macionis, Sociology, Chapter Fifteen

2. Graying of United States
Seniors now 12.4 percent of the population
Soon, baby boomers (born after WWII-mid-60’s) will number 75 million
The elderly populations of rich nations is increasing most rapidly
By 2030
20 percent will be over age 65
About half the population will be over the age of 40

3. Aging Population Increase
Birth rate: going down
Decreased infant mortality
Children are a major expense
Advances in birth control
Life expectancy: going up
Improved housing, nutrition and increased wealth
Baby Boomer reaching old age
Medical advances
Almost eliminated infectious diseases
Treat cancer and heart disease

4. Sociological Impact Cultural change “Young-old” and “old-old”
Elderly more visible
“Young-old” and “old-old”
Younger elderly 65-75
Independent with good health and financial security
Older elderly past age 75
Dependent on others
Over age 85 fastest growing segment
Women outnumber men

5. Biological Changes Gerontology Biological and physical changes
Study of aging and the elderly
Attitude toward aging depends on societal values
In America, a dim view of such changes is taken
Biological and physical changes
Predictable graying of hair, wrinkles, loss of height and weight, decline in strength and vitality and sensory changes
Odds of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions rise steadily
Reality we overestimate physical problems
A majority of those over 65 report good health
“Well-to-do” people have it better since they can afford preventive care

6. Transitions and Challenges of Aging
Finding meaning
Social isolation
Retirement
Aging and poverty
Care giving
Ageism
The elderly: a minority?

7. Table 15-1 Living Arrangements of the Elderly, 2007

8. Social Isolation Isolation is common among elderly
Retirement, limited mobility, and negative stereotypes close off sources of social interaction
Death of significant others: Three-fourths cite loneliness as serious problem
Older people value independence
Family members are major source of social support. Daughters more than sons

9. Retirement Work is an important part of personal identity
To minimize loss of prestige
New activities and interests
Volunteer work can fill time voids
Part-time work can offer additional monies
Staged retirement
Working at a reduced level
When or whether we retire
83% of men and 91% of women are no longer in the labor force at age 65 in the united states

10. Poverty
Home mortgage is usually paid off, some costs rise for the elderly
Medical care, household help and utilities
Social security is the major source of income
Those elderly who fall below the poverty line at age 65 equals 9.8% of U.S. Population
Median individual income for women is $11,789 and men $20,527

11. Care Giving
80% of caregivers are family members, daughters make up 75%
Married, with children and a job
Informal and unpaid care provided to a dependent person by family members, other relatives, or friends
Elder abuse

12. Ageism Prejudice and discrimination Blatant ageism Subtle ageism
Deny people due to age
Subtle ageism
Ways which culture perpetuates stereotypes of the elderly. Negative images and jokes
Should the elderly be given “minority group” status?

13. Theoretical Perspective
Structural-functionalism
Disengagement theory
Society enhances its orderly operation by disengaging people from positions of responsibility as they reach old age
Symbolic interaction
Activity theory
A high level of activity enhances personal satisfaction in old age
Social conflict
Inequality based on age categories
Different opportunities and access to social resources, creating a system of age stratification

14. Death and Dying Historical patterns of death
Modern separation of life and death
Ethical issues: confronting death
Death occurs when an irreversible state takes place
Right to die debate
Living wills
Euthanasia

15. The Future Increasing numbers
By 2050, more elderly than people in the U.S.A. In 1900
Need to review support services for the elderly
Availability and sufficiency
The elderly should experience a better quality of life
Medical technology
Financial strength
Changes in how death is viewed
Death will again become a natural part of the life cycle – no longer social taboo

16. "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal
"Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. The courage to continue is what counts."   Winston Churchill