Aging Flashcards
What defines a population as “old”?
When at least 10% of the population is over 65 years of age.
What are the key factors influencing population aging?
Mortality rates, fertility rates, and migration (internal and external).
How do dependency ratios measure aging populations?
By comparing the proportion of dependent individuals (youth and elderly) to the working-age population (20–64 years).
What are the economic implications of an aged dependency ratio?
Increased tax burdens for eldercare and resource allocation to healthcare and retirement programs.
How do population pyramids illustrate aging trends?
By visually representing age and sex distribution, showing shifts from youth-dominated to elder-dominated populations over time.
What are the three subcategories of aging?
Young-Old (65–74), Old-Old (75–84), and Oldest-Old (85+).
What is the difference between chronological age and functional age?
Chronological age is based on years lived, while functional age reflects competence and daily performance.
What is the average life expectancy in Canada as of 2023?
82.96 years.
What is ageism, and what are its common causes?
Stereotyping older individuals, caused by fear of aging, vulnerability to death, and generational separation.
What myths of aging are commonly debunked?
Not all elderly experience cognitive decline or loneliness.
Why is widowhood more common among women?
Women often marry older men and are less likely to remarry.
What percentage of elderly individuals have experienced divorce?
10–13% of individuals aged 65+.
Why is remarriage more common for men than women in later life?
Imbalanced sex ratios (“marriage squeeze”) and men’s desire for emotional and financial stability.
What defines “boomerang children”?
Adult children returning to live with their parents due to financial hardship, divorce, or other reasons.
What are the three types of grandparenting roles?
Companionate (close, no parental role), remote (less involved), and involved (parent-like duties).
How was retirement historically viewed, especially for men?
Negatively, as it removed purpose tied to workforce roles.
How is retirement viewed in modern times?
Positively, with early retirement seen as a goal for many.
What challenges can couples face in retirement?
Increased time together can lead to either greater intimacy or irritation.
What is a “cluttered nest”?
When adult children establish families while co-residing with their parents.
What is the effect of lower fertility rates on population aging?
Lower fertility rates reduce the younger population, increasing the proportion of elderly individuals.
How does external migration influence population aging?
Immigration of younger individuals can rejuvenate aging populations, while emigration of young people can accelerate aging.
What is the effect of lower fertility rates on population aging?
Lower fertility rates reduce the younger population, increasing the proportion of elderly individuals.
Why do aging populations require resource reallocation?
They demand more healthcare, retirement, and senior support programs.
How does youth dependency affect resource allocation?
It shifts focus to education, childcare, and family support programs.
What characterizes population aging in more developed regions like Canada and the U.S.?
Lower fertility rates and longer life expectancy contribute to aging populations.
What characterizes population structures in less developed regions like Africa and Latin America?
Younger populations dominate due to higher fertility rates and shorter life expectancy.
