The elderly: INEQUALITY and the LIFE course Chapter 8 (Book 15) The elderly: INEQUALITY and the LIFE course

The Elderly: Inequality and the Life Course Learning Objectives LO 8.1 Explain the increasing share of elderly people in modern societies. LO 8.2 Describe age stratification in global context. LO 8.3 Discuss problems related to aging. LO 8.4 Apply sociology’s major theories to the topic of aging. LO 8.5 Analyze changing attitudes about the end of life.

The Power of Society What is the likelihood that each of us will serve as a caregiver to an elderly parent or spouse?

Graying of United States By 2011, over 41 million seniors and half population over 37 By 2050, over 83 million seniors and half population over 40 Share of elderly rising in nearly all high-income nations LO 8.1 Explain the increasing share of elderly people in modern societies.

Causes of Aging Population Increase Life expectancy increasing Improved housing, nutrition and increased wealth Birth rate decreasing Decreased infant mortality Children are a major expense Advances in birth control

Causes of Aging Population Increase Medical advances Almost eliminated childhood infectious diseases Treat cancer and heart disease

An Aging Society Culture change Elderly more visible Gradual age segregation decline More older college students and second careers Increases in social diversity

“Young-old” and “old-old” An Aging Society “Young-old” and “old-old” Younger elderly 65-75: Independent with good health and financial security Older elderly past 75: More health problems and dependent on others Oldest old over age 85: Fastest growing segment with 67% are women

Biological Changes: What Is…? Gerontology Study of aging and the elderly Attitude toward aging depends on societal values Physical changes Graying hair, wrinkles, loss of height and weight, decline in strength, vitality, and senses LO 8.2 Describe age stratification in global context.

Growing Old: A Matter of Culture The reality of growing old is as much a matter of culture as it is of biology. In the United States, being elderly often means being inactive. In many other countries of the world elders often continue many familiar and productive routines.

Aging and Culture Aging and Culture The significance of growing old varies according to culture. Longevity related to technology and standard of living.

Biological Changes Health Most over 65 report good health. “Well-to-do” people are healthier since they can afford preventive care.

Psychological Changes Advancing age does not mean certain impairment of mental abilities. Some research reports improved math and verbal skills. Personality changes Elderly can become more introspective. Shifts in personality do not normally take place.

Aging and Culture: What Is…? Age stratification Unequal distribution of wealth, power and privilege among people at many stages of life Gerontocracy Form of social organization in which the elderly have the most wealth, power, and prestige

Levels of Technology Development Aging and Culture Levels of Technology Development Hunting and gathering societies Pastoral, horticultural, and agrarian societies Industrial and postindustrial societies

Transitions and Challenges of Aging Neugarten stages of coping Disintegrated and disorganized personalities Passive-dependent personalities Defended personalities Integrated personalities LO 8.3 Discuss problems related to aging.

Transitions and Challenges of Aging Erikson Resolve a tension of integrity versus despair Successful aging Lies in maintaining dignity and self-confidence and accepting advancing age LO 8.3 Discuss problems related to aging.

Retirement, limited mobility, and negative stereotypes Social Isolation Loneliness Can be social, physical, or emotional Gender Affects patterns of social isolation Retirement, limited mobility, and negative stereotypes Close off social interaction Greatest isolation Death of significant others

Retirement About retirement Conditions of retirement matter. Retirement means less personal identity and social prestige. Loss of prestige can be minimized in variety of ways.

Aging and Poverty Poverty Home mortgage is usually paid off. Medical care, household help, and utilities may increase. Social security is major source of income.

Caregiving Although parents provide caregiving to children, the term is more often applied to needs of elderly men and women. 80% of caregiving to elders is provided by family members; most are daughters.

Elder Abuse: What Is…? Elder abuse occurs with 3% of older people.

Abuse is most likely to occur if the caregiver: Elder Abuse Abuse is most likely to occur if the caregiver: Works full time Cares for young children Is poor Feels little affection for the older person Finds the elderly person very difficult Gets no support or help

Ageism is deeply rooted in our culture (Friedan). Like racism and sexism, ageism builds physical traits into stereotypes. Older people are more likely than younger to be mentally and physically impaired. Ageism is deeply rooted in our culture (Friedan).

The Elderly: A Minority? Streib: Elderly are not a minority Minority status is usually both permanent and exclusive. Being elderly is an open status because people are elderly for only part of their lives.

Theoretical Perspective Structural-functional analysis Disengagement theory: Society enhances its orderly operation by disengaging people from positions of responsibility as they reach old age LO 8.4 Apply sociology’s major theories to the topic of aging.

Theoretical Perspective: Structural-Functional Analysis Evaluation Many workers need income from paid work. Some elderly people enjoy work. Societal benefits may not outweigh societal costs. LO 8.4 Apply sociology’s major theories to the topic of aging.

Theoretical Perspective Symbolic-interaction analysis Activity theory: High level of activity enhances personal satisfaction in old age LO 8.4 Apply sociology’s major theories to the topic of aging.

Theoretical Perspective: Symbolic-Interaction Analysis Evaluation Analytic focus shifts from societal to elderly needs. Elders may not be both healthy and competent. Societal impact on elderly not considered. LO 8.4 Apply sociology’s major theories to the topic of aging.

Theoretical Perspective Social-conflict analysis Inequality is based on age categories. Different opportunities and access to social resources create a system of age stratification.

Theoretical Perspective: Social-Conflict Analysis Evaluation Theory heightens understanding of age-based inequality and capitalism on aging process. Theory does not address industrialism effects on aging.

Can You Compare?

Historical patterns of death Death and Dying Historical patterns of death In the past, death was a familiar and accepted part of life. Illness, accidents, and natural catastrophes made life uncertain. With progress, dying happened to the very old or the young when rare cases occurred. LO 8.5 Analyze changing attitudes about the end of life.

Modern separation of life and death Death and Dying Modern separation of life and death Death may seem unnatural to marry and separated from life. Modern society fosters a desire for eternal youth and immortality. Most dying people occupy out-of-sight place.

Ethical issues: Confronting death Death and Dying Ethical issues: Confronting death Definition of death: Irreversible state involving no response to stimulation, no movement or breathing, no reflexes, and no indication of brain activity.

Death and Dying Right-to-die Living wills: Documents stating which medical procedures an individual wants or does not want Euthanasia: Assisting in the death of a person suffering from an incurable disease

Hospice Movement About 40% of deaths in U.S. involve hospice care. Hospices minimize pain and suffering and encourage family members to stay close by.

Stages of Death and Bereavement Kübler–Ross Most people usually confront their own death in stages. Denial Anger Negotiation Resignation Acceptance

Bereavement Bereavement Is persistent profound grief and social disorientation Includes how a family and friends view an impending death affects the dying person Is less intense for someone who accepts loved one’s death, and relationship has reached a satisfactory resolution

The share of our population over the age of sixty-five is going up. In addition, older people are very likely to vote. What do these facts lead you to predict about with health care for the elderly?

What Will The Future Hold? Increasing numbers of elderly by 2050 Increasing health status, advancing medical technology, and growing financial strength of elderly Need to review support services for the elderly

What Will The Future Hold? Need to provide caregiving for more very old people. Better quality of life for the elderly Changes in how death is viewed

GLOSSARY Likelihood Caregiver Spouse Graying Mortality Visible Gradual Vitality Wrinkle Longevity Well-to-do Impairment Introspective Gerontocracy Transition Resolve Dignity Enhance Outweigh Heighten Strive Catastrope Foster Eternal Irreversible Stimulation Indication Hospice Bereavement Negotiation Profound Grief Impend