chapter 12

Question 1

graying

Answer 1

a term used to indicate that an increasing proportion of a society’s population is over 65.

Question 2

older adults

Answer 2

adults ages 65 and older

Question 3

population aging

Answer 3

the relatively faster growth of the older population compared to the younger population and the resulting shifts in the age distribution of the population towards older ages. population aging is commonly measured as an increasing median age or a rising share of the population above a certain age, like 65.

Question 4

social gerontology

Answer 4

the study of aging and older adults

Question 5

aging

Answer 5

the combination of biological, psychological, and social processes that affect people as they grow older

Question 6

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 6

a degenerative disease of the brain resulting in progressive loss of mental capacity

Question 7

social aging

Answer 7

the norms, values, and roles that are culturally associated with a particular chronological age

Question 8

disengagement theory

Answer 8

a functionalist theory of aging that holds that it is functional for society to remove people of their traditional roles when they become older adults, thereby freeing up those roles for others

Question 9

socioemotional selectivity theory

Answer 9

the theory that adults maintain fewer relationships as they age, but that those relationships are of higher quality

Question 10

activity theory

Answer 10

a functionalist theory of aging that holds that busy, engaged people are more likely to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Question 11

continuity theory

Answer 11

the theory that older adults’ well-being is enhanced when their activities are consistent with their personality, preferences, and activities earlier in life.

Question 12

conflict theories of aging

Answer 12

arguments that emphasize the ways in which the larger social structure helps shape the opportunities available to older adults. Unequal opportunities are seen as creating the potential for conflict.

Question 13

life course

Answer 13

the various transitions and stages people experience during their lives

Question 14

young old

Answer 14

sociological term for persons aged 65-74

Question 15

old

Answer 15

sociological term for persons aged 75-84

Question 16

oldest old

Answer 16

sociological term for persons aged 85 and older

Question 17

cohort

Answer 17

a group of individuals who were born during the same time period, and thus share a similar pattern of historical experiences during their lives

Question 18

social security

Answer 18

a federal program in the United States that provides retirement benefits and disability income to qualified people and their spouses, children, and survivors.

Question 19

medicare

Answer 19

a program under the US social security administration that reimburses hospitals and physicians for medical care provided to qualifying people over 65 years old

Question 20

emotional loneliness

Answer 20

the absence of an intimate confidant

Question 21

social loneliness

Answer 21

the absence of a broader social network

Question 22

ageism

Answer 22

discrimination or prejudice against a person on the grounds of age

Question 23

old-age dependency ratio

Answer 23

the number of people ages 65 and older, divided by the number of persons ages 18 to 64

Question 24

AARP

Answer 24

US advocacy group for people age 50 and older, formerly the American Association of Retired persons

Question 25

generational equity

Answer 25

the striking of a balance between the needs and interests of members of different generations