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Chapter 15
Aging and the Elderly
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The Greying of Canada
In 2001, those 65+ yrs. were 13 % of the population
In 2001, median age has risen to 37.6 years
Created by baby boom after 1945 and baby bust after 1965 and increased life expectancy
The proportion of elderly is increasing in all rich nations.
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Fig 15-1
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Canada Map 15-1
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Global Map 15-1
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Life Expectancy
At the beginning of the 1900s,
50.2 years for women and years for men
Now
81 years for women and 75 years for men
Old-age dependency ratio: ratio of elderly to working age population
Possible problems for health care and other resources.
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Global Map 15-2
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8. An Aging Society: Cultural change
Aged are too diverse to be a culture.
Young old: years.
Older elderly: 75+ years
Oldest old: 85+ years and 2/3 are women
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9. Growing Old: Biology and Culture
Gerontology: the study of aging and the elderly
Biological changes
Wrinkles, loss of vitality, chronic illnesses, etc.
Dementias: cognitive impairment, loss of memory, etc.
But over 50% of over 55 years report being very happy
Psychological decline
Ability to learn new material and think quickly declines
Culture: significance of growing old varies.
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Age Stratification
Age stratification – the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege among people at different stages of the life course.
Gerontocracy: form of organization in which elderly have the most wealth, power, and prestige. It is most likely to occur in pastoral, horticultural, and agrarian societies.
Industrial societies often consign older people to marginal participation in the economy.
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11. Transitions and Problems of Aging
Physical decline in old age is less serious than most younger people think.
Finding Meaning:
Older people recognize that their lives are nearing the end.
The elderly spend much time reflecting on their past.
(Cont’d)
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12. Transitions and Problems of Aging (Cont’d)
Isolation is most common among elderly people.
The greatest cause of social isolation is the inevitable death of significant others.
Retirement comes with reduced social prestige and loss of purpose. It is now being challenged as being against the charter of Rights and Freedoms.
(Cont’d)
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Fig 15-2
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14. Transitions and Problems of Aging (Cont’d)
Aging and Income
Poverty rate has declined substantially since 1980
But many lack sufficient savings and inflation affects their fixed incomes
Women and people of colour are vulnerable
Elder abuse: 3-5% from stress of care giving
Both poverty and abuse can be hidden
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Ageism
Ageism – prejudice and discrimination against the elderly.
Ageism is deeply rooted in our culture.
Seniors can do a wide variety of things.
The elderly are not a minority, but a distinctive segment of our population with characteristic pleasures and challenges.
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16. Structural-Functional Analysis
Disengagement theory – society enhances its orderly operation by disengaging people from positions of responsibility as they reach old age.
Critical evaluation:
Many still have financial need
Costs could outweigh benefits
Does not allow for differing abilities
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17. Symbolic-Interaction Analysis
Activity theory – a high level of activity enhances personal satisfaction in old age.
What seniors need is not to be pushed out of roles, but to find a wider range of productive or recreational activities.
Critical evaluation:
May exaggerate well being and abilities
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18. Social-Conflict Analysis
Different age categories have different opportunities, creating a system of age stratification.
Middle-aged people in Canada enjoy the greatest power. Elderly may become second-class citizens.
Age-based hierarchy is inherent in an industrial-capitalist society.
Critical evaluation:
Elderly have increasing income and well-being
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Death and Dying
Historically death was routine
Now it is removed from life
Ethical issues
When does death occur: no response to stimulation, no movement or breathing, and no indication of brain activity.
Right to die; living wills are widespread, but euthanasia, assisting in the death of a person is still illegal. It exists in the Netherlands.
Bereavement: response of family influences the dying person. Hospice helps people by providing palliative care.
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Looking Ahead
By 2050, the elderly population will be greater than the population of Canada in 1900.
Gerontology, the study of the elderly, will grow in stature.
Will demands be great?
But, we are healthier than ever, are financially better prepared for old age, and the majority of women have been in the work force.
Change will occur in how we view death.
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