Age: Patterns and trends

Question 1

How has age changed over the years in the UK ?

Answer 1

• 1901, the UK had a population of 32% children and 5% elderly
• In 2018, the proportion of these groups have become equal
• In the next 20 years, the number of people ages 65+ will increase by 40%

Question 2

What did Pilcher say about age ?

Answer 2

Old age should be divided into 3 categories:
Young old: 65-74 - still working
Middle-aged old: 75-84 - retired
Old-old: 85+ - Socially excluded and might have a disability

Question 3

What did Johnson and Bytheway say about ageism ?

Answer 3

• Defined ageism as the offensive exercise of power through reference to age
• This can be through institutions such as healthcare and employment
• Stereotypical but well-meaning assumption

Question 4

What restrictions can u18 face at work ?

Answer 4

• when and where they can work
• Minimum wage
• Limit to hours at work

Question 5

What are the inequalities the elderly face in work and employment ?

Answer 5

• Elderly can find it difficult when they leave work - leads to financial issues
• Average retirement age in the UK is 64
• Standard state pension age is 66

Question 6

What is the structuralist view of age ?

Answer 6

• society decided the age of retirement, not the individual
• not everyone retires at the same time
• Those who have financial security won’t grow old the same as those that have to work for longer

Question 7

What was Jones’ study of age ?

Answer 7

Explored experiences of retirement and social roles
3 main themes were found:
- Conscious choice = arranging their retirement
- Positive view of retirement = opportunity to pursue new interests and challenges (new clubs and leisure activity)
- Fortunate = in comparison to the older generation and future generations