The Aged Lecture 1 – Chapter 1

Is Aging Universal? Similar molecular and cellular changes of aging are found throughout the animal kingdom, including animals as tiny and simple as this roundworm Is Aging Individual? All individuals in a species experience the same basic changes of aging, but each individual's experience is unique. Each body has its own timetable for aging Is Aging Disease? Aging is not a disease, but the risk of disease increases with age

Our current understanding is that the changes of aging cannot be prevented or reversed Is Aging Irreversible? Changes of aging cannot be prevented or reversed, but many may be minimized or delayed by a healthy lifestyle Is Aging Preventable? Humans age gradually over an entire lifetime (cells, tissues, organs and systems) Is Aging Gradual?

Is Aging Genetic? Many changes of aging may be influenced by our genes. For example, the life spans of laboratory animals have been extended by altering their genes Is Aging Environmental? Studies of identical twins who have the same genes indicate that environment determines nearly 75% of our health and longevity Is Aging Health? Health persists during normal aging. Healthy aging is a gradual process of slowing down while essential functions remain intact

The Aged? The most diverse group of people 3 year olds vs. older adults  transcends culture

Break-out Discussion Meet your classmates & discuss: 1. How old is old? (identify an age) 2. Describe your image of a typical old person (list at least 10)

Kimuna et al. (2005) N=441 college students (17 to 49 yrs. old) 60 years old Foos & Clark (1994) N=301 (14 to 97 yrs. Old) 70 years old

Jeanne-Louise Calment 122 years and 164 days DOB: France, February 21, 1875 DOD: France, August 4, 1997

Elizabeth Bolden oldest living American on June 23, years 312 days Oldest living person August 30 th years 15 days Memphis, Tennessee

Aging is not a singular process: Biologically Psychologically Sociologically "aging experience" is determined by the unique interactions between these various clocks

AGEISM: Not like other “isms” age classification is not static – continual change through life cycle no one is exempt from at some point achieving the status of old Both perpetrator & victim

AGEISM (Butler, 1969): "any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person or group because of age or any assignment of roles in society purely on the basis of age" (Traxler, 1980, p. 4). The systematic discrimination or stereotyping of people because they are old Washington DC, housing Authority (1968) Promotes Respect for "Our Future Selves" Robert Butler 1 st director Of NIA (1974)

emphasis on the youth in American society Why AGEISM? Assignment #1 (complete by next class session Bring your results to next class period) as young as 5 years old, negative stereotypes of older people

Low “man” on totem pole ….older females

Why AGEISM? fear of death Butler (1969) states: "Ageism reflects a deep seated uneasiness on the part of the young and middle-aged - a personal revulsion to and distaste for growing old, disease, disability; and a fear of powerlessness, 'uselessness', and death" (p. 243).

emphasis in American culture on productivity future economic potential vs financial liability Why AGEISM? Although Aging is universal….Ageism not universal!!!

Individualistic vs collectivistic (Independence) (Interdependence) Cultural Differences US Canada European Australia France American Indian (responsible for traditions & knowledge) Hispanic (inner strength to help young – link to the past- child raising) Japanese (Senior advisor to daily problems – Wisdom) Hindu (Wisdom, authoritative, protective, nurturant, emotional, social, and financial support) African (sign of divine blessing)

have greater psychological distress are more depressed than younger adults are preoccupied with memories of their childhood and youth are less satisfied with their lives than younger adults are alienated from the members of their families have a decrease in social contacts Stop & answer questions Older Adults…

have greater psychological distress be more depressed than younger adults be preoccupied with memories of my childhood and youth be less satisfied with my life than when I was younger be alienated from the members of my family have a decrease in social contacts When I am 75 years old I predict I will

Part of Assignment #1 - Are you Ageist? Take Ageism Quiz