demographics and age categories Flashcards
Life-span perspective
Divides human development into two phases:
1: early (childhood and adolescence)
2. Later (young adulthood, middle age, and old age)
Paul Baltes seven key features:
Lifelong process
–Multi-directionality
–Plasticity
–Historical context
–Multiple causation
–Involves both gain and loss
–Product of nature and nurture
–Must be studied by multiple
disciplines
Forces of development
-Biological
-Psychological
-Sociocultural
-Life cycle forces reflect differences in how the same event affects people at different points in life
Normative age-graded influences
expected, parents before kids
Non-normative influences
non expected, kid dies
Culture
shared basic value orientations, norms, beliefs, and customary habits and ways of living.
Important to gerontology
Meaning of age
Primary aging: disease free, normal
Secondary aging: changes related to environment
Tertiary aging- rapid losses that occur shortly before death
Definitions of age
*Chronological age, calendar time
- Perceived age, you think your self as
- Biological age, functioning of vital systems
- Psychological age, psychological abilities
- Sociocultural age, set of roles (customs, dress, interpersonal style
Age categories of older Americans
Young-old (65 to 74)
Aged or old old (75 to 84)
Oldest-old (85+ to 99)
Centenarians (100+)
Baby boomers: emerging old (1940-1950)
Older women and men
Women outnumber men
25% of women and 7% of men are widowed
15% of women and 55% of men are married
older women are more likely than older men to live in poverty
Life expectancy
Life expectancy refers to the average time a person is expected to live
US Life expectancy: 79
Women live an average of 5. years longer than men
non-hispanic whites live an average of 5 years longer than non-hispanic blacks
The oldest-old population is predominantly male.
False
The age category of older adults that goes from 65 to 74 years is called:
Young-old
Baby boomers account for the largest group of persons ever born in one period of American History.
True
The median age, or the age that divides a population into two groups (half younger, half older), is:
Rising over time with a projected increase to 39 years of age by 2030.
The life-span perspective emphasizes that some periods of human life are more important than others.
False
The life expectancy of persons aged 65 and older in the United States is lower than that of many other industrialized countries.
True
Why does having a higher income lead to a longer life?
There is better access to good health care and healthier lifestyles
While improvements in life expectancy have occurred across racial groups, racial differences in life expectancy and survivorship remain to this day.
True
As the older population in the United States continues to grow larger, it will also grow more racially diverse.
True
Quantitative methodology
Emphasizes precise measurements and statistical analysis of target concepts
Qualitative methodology
Has emphasis on “understanding.” It explores the depth, richness, and complexity inherent in the phenomen.
Empirical article
Article reports the results of a study that uses data (participants or objects). Can be qualitative or quantitative.
Theoretical Article
Author presents original theory of their own or shows how new theories links with previous theories.
Reliable resources
Peer-reviewed or from websites with expertise in the field (edu, org, gov)
