Chapter 12 Flashcards
A term used to indicate that an increasing proportion of a society’s population is elderly
Graying
Adults ages 65 and older
Elderly
The study of aging and the elderly
Social gerontology
The combination of biological, psychological, and social processes that affect people as they grow older
Aging
A degenerative disease of the brain resulting in progressive loss of mental capacity
Alzheimer’s disease
The norms, values, and roles that are culturally associated with a particular chronological age
Social aging
A functionalist theory of aging that holds that it is functional for society to remove people from their traditional roles when they become elderly, thereby freeing up those roles for others
Disengagement theory
The theory that adults maintain fewer relationships as they age, but that those relationships are of higher quality
Socioemotional selectivity theory
A functionalist theory of aging that holds that busy, engaged people are more likely to lead fulfilling and productive lives
Activity theory
The theory that older adults well-being is enhanced when their activities are consistent with their personality, preferences, and activities earlier in life
Continuity theory
Arguments that emphasize the ways in which the larger social structure helps to shape the opportunities available to the elderly. Unequal opportunities are seen as creating the potential for conflict
Conflict theories of aging
The various transitions ane stages people experience during their lives
Life course
Sociological term for persons age 65 to 74
Young old
Sociological term for persons age 75 to 84
Old old
Sociological term for persons age 85 and older
Oldest old
