1. The Aging Population: Myths and Stereotypes
Section 2, Unit 4

2. Vocabulary - a natural, progressive process beginning at birth
- a fixed idea that categories of people are all exactly alike
- an idea commonly held as true, but which is factually incorrect

3. Old Age The that, “Everyone is old at age 65.”
Health plays a vital role
Social involvement is important
Being “old” is more closely related to how one feels and acts.

4. Work and Retirement
The that older people gradually lose interest in work as retirement nears.
The that older people
take more sick days closer
to retirement.
The that retired people
are still dissatisfied because
they are bored.

5. Work and Retirement, cont.
Statistics show older workers have less absenteeism, fewer on-job accidents, and are just as efficient as younger workers.
They show satisfaction with their jobs and are willing to learn new skills.

6. Physical Attributes The that physical changes occur.
The that these changes render an older person to an institution or to be homebound.
Physical changes:
Gray Hair
Need for Glasses, Hearing Aids, etc.
Chronic Ailments
95% remain in their own homes, 81% of those are still mobile.

7. Mental Processes
The that elderly people are senile and depressed because of their age.
Depression and life-satisfaction are more closely linked with external factors (ex: the economy) so elderly people have the same chances of being depressed as younger people.

8. Financial Security
The that the financial situation of most elderly people is bleak.
Income is fixed, so it is important to stick to a budget.
Less financial responsibilities