Chapter 15 Relationships in the Later Years

Chapter Sections 15-1 Age and Ageism 15-2 Caring for the Frail Elderly—the “Sandwich Generation” 15-3 Issues Confronting the Elderly 15-4 Successful Aging 15-5 Relationships and the Elderly 15-6 The End of One’s Life

Age and Ageism Age may be defined chronologically, physiologically, psychologically, sociologically, and culturally. One’s age determines the right to drive, vote, buy alcohol or cigarettes, and receive Social Security and Medicare benefits. Societies define age based on life expectancy.

Age and Ageism

Age and Ageism Physiologically, people are old when their auditory, visual, respiratory, and cognitive capabilities decline significantly. An individual’s self-concept is important in the experience of aging.

Age and Ageism Ageism: systematic persecution and degradation of people because they are old Gerontophobia: fear or dread of the elderly Discussion: Why are young people sometimes afraid of old people?

Age and Ageism Gerontology: the study of aging The life course perspective examines differences in aging across cohorts by emphasizing that “individual biography is situated within the context of social structure and historical circumstances.” Discussion: How is aging influenced by the social and historical contexts?

Caring for the Frail Elderly—the Sandwich Generation Frail elderly: elderly person who has difficulty with at least one personal care activity or other activities related to independent living About 6.1% of the frail elderly have long-term care insurance. About 40% of adults provide family caregiving to their elderly parents. Sandwich generation: individuals who attempt to meet the needs of their children and elderly parents

Caring for the Frail The typical parental caregiver is a middle-aged married woman who works outside the home. The number of individuals in the sandwich generation is expected to increase in the coming years.

Issues Confronting the Elderly Age discrimination: denying full access to the resources and benefits of society based on age For most individuals, the end of life is characterized by reduced income. As individuals age they find themselves living in homes that are not “elder friendly.” Most elderly individuals define themselves as healthy, the single most important determinant of happiness.

Issues Chronic illness is more common among the elderly. Elderly people (85+) more often have a reduced capacity for processing information quickly. Judgment may not be affected. Dementia: the mental disorder most associated with aging, whereby the normal cognitive functions are slowly lost.

Issues The official age for Social Security benefits is increasing. Retirement affects an individual’s status, income, privileges, power, and prestige. Blurred retirement: gradual retirement that provides a transition between career and retirement Discussion: Why do individuals choose blurred retirement?

Issues The elderly experience physiological changes that impact sexuality and sexual activity decreases with age but remains satisfying. Medications are available to enhance the sexual experience for the elderly.

Successful Aging Factors associated with successful aging: Not smoking Positive view of life Healthy weight Exercising Involvement in social activities

Relationships and the Elderly Marriages that survive into late life are characterized by little conflict, considerable companionship, and mutual supportiveness. Some widowed or divorced elderly try to find and renew an earlier love relationship. Older adults and senior citizens are increasing their use of technology to stay connected.

Relationships Siblings remain an important emotional relationship. Relationships with adult children are usually rewarding. Most elderly prefer to remain independent as long a possible.

End of Life Thanatology: examination of the social dimensions of death, dying, and bereavement The death of a spouse is one of the most stressful life events a person ever experiences. Reactions to death include: shock, denial, anger, and guilt. Women are much more likely to be widowed than are men.

End of Life Response to the death of a spouse is influenced by: Gender Economic situation Whether death is sudden or prolonged Age

End of Life At age 80, only 53 men are available for every 100 women. Many elderly widows enjoy their independence.

End of Life Most of the elderly have thought about death. The major fear is the process of dying. Most consider death without remorse or anxiety. When people are aware that they are going to die soon, most simply their life and disengage from social relationships. Discussion: What advice would you give to someone who is going to visit an elderly, dying relative?

Chapter Summary Age is defined chronologically, physiologically, sociologically, and culturally. Some people fear or degrade the elderly. The sandwich generation attempts to meet the needs of their children and aging parents at the same time. Issues confronting the elderly include: income, housing, health, retirement, and sexuality.

Chapter Summary Successful aging is related to a healthy, physically and socially active lifestyle. Women are much more likely to be widowed than men. The death of a spouse is one of the most stressful life events an individual can experience. Most elderly do not approach death with remorse or anxiety.

Chapter Review What is aging? What is ageism? What are the challenges of the sandwich generation? Discuss the various issues confronting the elderly. What is successful aging?

Chapter Review How does aging affect relationships? Describe the experience of widowhood. How do individuals prepare for death?