Heterogeneity And Homogeneity

Question 1

What does heterogeneity mean in relation to ageing?

Answer 1

Individuals being diverse or less alike one another

As people age they become more different

Question 2

Why do people become more different as they age?

Answer 2

Older adults more heterogenous than young
Young adults have more shared normative experiences
Older adults have greater variety of non normative experiences
Leads to greater individual and group variability on cognitive tasks

Question 3

What does homogeneity mean in relation to ageing?

Answer 3

Individuals being very similar to one another
Adults become more different on individual level with age
Often form age-homogenous groups in areas such as retirement homes

Question 4

When are age-homogenous groups good and bad?

Answer 4

Benefits - friendship, participation in leisure, age-related or common interest activities
Concern - become less vigorous so less able to help prevent neighbourhood break-ins or help fellow with long-term illness or disability