Ageing W11

Question 1

Demographic Transition -

Answer 1

The change in the percentages of the population of age groups (from a small percentage of older people to a larger percentage of older people; from a large percentage of younger people to a smaller percentage of younger people)

Question 2

Reasons for demographic transition (3):

Answer 2

➢ Babies from the baby boom time have now grown older (after WWII, 1946-1964: dramatic increase in the number of births is attributed to economic growth, political stability and feelings of certainty)
➢ Decrease in fertility rates (ppl delay childbirth to attain higher education and pursue a career, b/c children are not labour hands as they used to be, but they stay with (or supported by) their parents until their late 20s)
➢ Decrease in mortality rates (infectious and communicable diseases have been medically treated, better life conditions, advances in biomedicine => chronic conditions)

Question 3

Common chronic illnesses among the elderly

Answer 3

➢ Cardiovascular
➢ Stroke
➢ Cancer
➢ Osteoarthritis
➢ Diabetes
➢ Mental Illness/ Dementia
➢ Conditions from Falls

Question 4

The elderly are likely to experience the following social conditions:

Answer 4

➢ Poverty
➢ Living alone
➢ Discrimination (Ageism)
➢ Difficulties with transportation and access to social services
➢ Social isolation and rejection
➢ Dependency

Question 5

Mental, social and physical activity benefit the elderly’s health:

Answer 5

➢ Physical activity
➢ Religion and spirituality associated with good health – social interactions
➢ Work
➢ Volunteering

Question 6

Lifecourse:

Answer 6

• understands age as not staged, but as it is like a course
• cuses on both the variations and continuities in people’s social status
• focuses on an individual’s participation in various life ‘domains’ from birth to death
• emphasizes the dynamics of social roles

=> older ppl can have multiple roles

Question 7

Social roles are important. Why?

Answer 7

Because people find meaning, improve self-esteem, are recognised, construct their identity etc

Question 8

The importance of lifecourse in medical consultations:

Answer 8

➢ Tackles stereotypes
➢ Helps with understanding older people as active social beings
➢ Helps with exploring in depth patients’ social history and as a results better supporting patients

Question 9

What is Informal Care?

Answer 9

Informal care refers to care provided by people who are not under formal institutions of healthcare (Ex: spouses, siblings, parents, children); informal carers provide care due to kinship ties and family
obligations

Question 10

The needs of Informal Carers (6):

Answer 10

Burn-out: they need assistance
Social isolation: opportunities to socialise with other people
Daily support: i.e. shopping and other social obligations
Psychological support: they may be depressed
Financial support: care is expensive
Scientific support: i.e. training