1: Aging Today Flashcards
Gerontology vs geriatrics
Gerontology: scientific study of old age and the process of growing old
Geriatrics: specialty of medicine for treatment of diseases related to older age
By 2023, almost __% of Canada’s population will be over the age of 65
25%
intergenerational equity
balanced support of older and younger people through public policy and public expenditures
- parental/child informal supports
older population = new demands on social structures
- Family structure
- more 3+ generations living together
- grandparents while active in career - Education
- schools/universities will attract more older students
- want flexible schedules and different learning methods - Job market
- healthier adults working - Healthcare system
- current system favours acute illnesses while older people tend to have chronic illnesses
- need to PREVENT illness before it occurs
aging’ is responsible for only _% of yearly increase in health care cost
1%
in adults 65+ , __% have 2-3 chronic conditions, __% have 4+ chronic conditions
46% = 2-3 chronic conditions
16.6% = 4+ chronic conditions
T or F : Levels of happiness and life satisfaction are higher in older adults compared to 25-64 y/o group
TRUE
Almost __% of older adults perceive their mental health excellent or good
70%
Prejudice vs Discrimination
Prejudice: being biased against someone or something (attitude)
Discrimination: unfair treatment based on prejudice rather than merit
how myths harm us
Stereotyping: beliefs not WELL supported by evidence
Prejudice: we DECIDE based on our beliefs
Discrimination: ACT act based on our beliefs
Final result = AGEISM
what is the third great ‘ism’ in our (Canada) society
ageism
best way to fight ageism
education = demystifying the myths
T or F “As people grow old, deterioration in physical health is inevitable”
To some extent TRUE (wear & tear)
also FALSE
- Physical activity, social engagement, healthy diet can modify ‘aging’ process
T or F “Despite experience, older people can not have useful economic contributions”
FALSE
Productive workers don’t become dependent the day they turn 65
○ No age limit to talent and creativity
T or F “resources used for older adults will be wasted and there are better uses for them”
FALSE
- Having a healthy and independent older population saves money
- Many safety, built environment, work condition, public transportation interventions benefit all
2 goals of gerontology
- Produce accurate knowledge about aging
- Apply knowledge to create a better life for aging clients
T or F People feel lost in retirement - they often get sick and die shortly after
- few people feel sick or lost due to retirement
- Retirement has little effect on health/social activity, satisfaction .etc