Who are the Elderly and how do we Construct Old Age?

Question 1

Chronological Age

Answer 1

Age in numbers since you were born

Doesn’t work for elderly because the population is so diverse in individual

Question 2

Biological Age

Answer 2

Age based on your wellness and health

Question 3

Psychological Age

Answer 3

Age based on your mental capacities and capabilities

Question 4

Social Age

Answer 4

Age based on your social capacities and capabilities

Question 5

Elderly as a Group

Answer 5

Diverse
Affect of aging dependent on the individual
Generalizations can be made about attitudes of aging based on cultural background

Question 6

European-American Culture & Aging

Answer 6

Aging is generally feared
Elderly are not often respected
Nuclear families do not include the elderly
Agism is sometimes practiced
Elderly seen as sick, senile, and useless

Question 7

Myths of Aging

Answer 7

1. Age bring illness and disability
2. Change of habits when one is older results in no physical benefit
3. Aging means reduction in mental sharpness
4. Being old equals being sad, lonely, non-productive
5. Depression and suicide in elderly doesn’t occur
6. Elderly are not interested in sex and could not perform if they were
7. Older people experience a decline in personal hygiene
8. Old people are victims of crime
9. Elderly want to talk about themselves of talk about the past
10. Religious beliefs increase, fear of death decreases
11. People become rigid and narrow-minded with age

Question 8

2 Aging Theories

Answer 8

1. Inevitability of Mortality

2. Life Span Development

Question 9

Inevitability of Mortality

Answer 9

Theoretical Basis:
Life span is fixed and aging is irreversible

Predictions:
No increase in number of elderly due to fixed lifespan
Chronic disease occupies a small portion of the lifespan
Decreased need for health care in later life

Goals:
To extend maximal adult vigor
To compress senescence
To promote exercise and factors that postpone disease

Health care policy implications:
Emphasis on improving quality of life
Decrease dependency of elderly on the healthcare system
Emphasis on the individual

Question 10

Life Span Development

Answer 10

Theoretical Basis:
Life span is variable, not fixed

Predictions:
Decreases in mortality rates and increase in survival
Increase in long-term disability
Increased need for long-term health care

Goals:
To study the common chronic diseases of aging
To prevent, treat, and manage the conditions associated with aging
To recognize that society will be faced with burgeoning numbers of older individuals with chronic diseases and communication disorders

Health care policy and implications:
Emphasis on chronic conditions of the elderly
Development of systems to care for the needs of the elderly
Emphasis on community

Question 11

Principles of the Life Span Approach to Human Development

Answer 11

We develop and grow throughout the lifespan

Development involves gains and losses on different dimensions

Age constrains but does not control development

Environment and history constrain but do not control development

Question 12

New Model Must Account For:

Answer 12

Increasing complexity as we age
Increasing individuation as we age
A route to successful aging

Question 13

What is Successful Aging?

Answer 13

Finding a purpose and acceptance with life as it is, with little regret or remorse

Question 14

5 Factors of Successful Aging

Answer 14

1. Life Satisfaction (rewarding, few regrets, positive)
2. Social Support System (family and friends)
3. Good Physical and Mental Health
4. Financial Security
5. Personal Control Over One’s Life (independence, dignity, and self-worth)