1. Aging Globally & Aging Subcultures
Sociology 431 Chapter Two

2. 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

3. 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

4. Demographic Changes

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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