Chapter 5 Aging and Inequality

Gerontology Gerontology – the study of aging and the elderly “Demographers project that by the year 2040, ¼ Americans may be 65 or older (compared to 1/8 today), and as much as 60% of the federal budget (compared to 30%) will be required to support the elderly.” – Stephen Sapp

Industrialization and Aging Pre-industrial societies Gerontocracy – a social system that gives a society’s oldest members the most wealth, power, and prestige. Industrial Societies Elderly as a social problem

The Graying of United States “Graying of the United States”- trend that the elderly population is increasing rapidly 1900 – 4% older than 65, 3 million 1950 – 8% 2000 – 12.5% 2030 – 20%, 55 million

The Elderly Life expectancy – the average life span of a country’s population Males 75, Females 80 The “younger old” – 65-74 The “older old” – 75-84 The “oldest old” – 85+ The “oldest old” increasing most rapidly

Problems of Aging Social Isolation Retirement Ageism – prejudice and discrimination against older people Victimization of the elderly Caregiving

Problems of Aging Poverty Housing Medical Care Death and Dying • Age Stratification – social inequality among various age categories within a society Housing Medical Care Death and Dying • Euthanasia – assisting in the death of a person suffering from an incurable disease

Interest Groups The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) The National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Americans for Generational Equity (AGE)

Politics and Aging Liberals advocate more government assistance, while conservatives believe more responsibility should lie with the family.

Theoretical Analysis Structural-Functional Analysis Disengagement theory Symbolic-Interaction Analysis Activity theory Social-Conflict Analysis