Aging Globally & Aging Subcultures Sociology 431 Chapter Two

Worldwide Trends Pace of economic development in countries resulted in shifts from rural agricultural societies to urbanized industrial landscapes with changes in social and family structures Combination of the increased population of older adults worldwide, cultural changes, and economic patterns may disrupt traditional family and social structures

Demographic Changes Number of persons age > 65 in the world is expected to increase from an estimated 420 million in 2000 to 974 million in 2030 Numbers and expected growth of older population differ substantially between the industrialized and developing countries 60% elders live in developing countries

Demographic Changes

Economic Implications for Industrialized Countries Strategies respond to demographic changes and recognize value of older workers: redirect recruiting/training & offer retraining retention by alternative flexible conditions preserve knowledge mature workers possess facilitate intergenerational communication assist in learning/using technology

The Effects of Modernization Modernization Theory advances in technology, applied sciences, urbanization, and literacy which, in this context are related to a decline in the status of older people

The Effects of Modernization Characteristics of Modernization that have led to lower status for elders Health technology Scientific technology Urbanization Literacy and mass education

Alternatives to Modernization Theory Healthy filial piety Strong cultural values Reciprocal intergenerational relationships

A Cross-Cultural View of Old Age in Contemporary Societies Societies generally distinguish two or three classes of elders Those who are no longer fully productive, but are physically and mentally able to attend to their daily needs Those who are totally dependent Those who continue to actively participate in the economy of the social system

Immigrants from traditional cultures to the United States less likely to be educated to the high school level less likely to be proficient in English more likely to live in poverty less likely to have health care insurance less likely to use health and social services more likely than their US-born peers to receive government benefits

Living arrangements of Older Immigrants Vary across cultures Vary among individuals, families, and communities Vary among meanings of “home” and “residence” physical safety and comfort amelioration of sense of displacement

Financial Dilemmas Facing Immigrant Elders Since 1996 policies on welfare programs are on state and local governmental levels Resultant effects: reduced income security for older immigrants eligible older immigrants do not apply for assistance they think they are not eligible they think it will affect their status in the US