1. Aging in America
Chapter 1

2. Are there different kinds of aging?
Discussion
What do we mean by old?
What is Gerontology?
Are there different kinds of aging?

3. An Interdisciplinary Topic
Why is this an interdisciplinary topic?

4. Gerontology
Page 2
Gerontology: the study of the human aging process from maturity to old age and the study of older adults as a special population
Geriatrics: the study of disease and health in later life
Geriatricians: doctors who specialize in physiological health of older adults.
Senescence: age-related loss of function

5. Types of Aging Chronological: number of years since birth
Biological: changes reducing the efficiency of organ systems

6. Types of Aging
Psychological: changes in memory, learning, adaptive capacity, personality, and mental functioning
Social: changes in social roles, relationships, and social context

7. Application — What Kind of Aging is it?
Ruth is having difficulty with bladder control.
Cynthia cannot multitask as easily as she once could.
Tom no longer worries if people think doing housework is unmanly.
Juan will celebrate his 80th birthday in December.

8. Theoretical Perspectives on Aging
Biological: genes, lifestyles, and environmental influences on aging
Diet & exercise
Genes which determine ¼ of our longevity
¾ of longevity is based on lifestyle
We are more in control of our well being in later life.

9. Theoretical Perspectives on Aging
Sociological: societal norms, cultural contexts, status, population demographics
Groups of people & cultural context in which they age
How does the US perceive aging?

10. Theoretical Perspectives on Aging
Psychological: cognition, emotions, adaptability, self-concept, lifespan view
Philosophical: personal meaning, spirituality, ethics
What was this life all about?
What is my legacy?
What is my understanding of death?

11. Cultural Competence
The ability to honor and respect styles, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs
Helps practitioners to assist elders in culturally appropriate personal growth and mastery
Important with shifting physical, psychological and social statuses during the aging process

12. Discussion
Why is cultural competence important for people who work with the aging population?

13. Name academic disciplines of gerontology
Medicine
Economics
Social Work
Employment

14. Topics and Academic Disciplines of Gerontologists
Medicine, pharmaceuticals, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy
Economics, housing, marketing, legislation, social policy and programs
Social work, mental health services, family services, religious organizations
Employment, retirement, financial planning, recreation

15. A Person-Environment Approach
The environment continually changing context to which individuals adapt as they also adapt to personal, psychological, and physical changes.
Aging people adjust to life’s changes which impacts their environment
Environment changes the individual

16. Environmental Press
As one’s functionality decreases, the ability to remain independent is in jeopardy
The activities required to be self-sufficient may no longer be possible
Services may be brought in to supplement
Moving to a more supportive environment may become necessary

17. Environmental Press

18. Example of the Person and the Environment
A man quits running daily because of deteriorating knees (internal adaptation).
He buys a stationary bicycle (external change).
His knees feel better, but he becomes more socially isolated. He must adapt to the social isolation.

19. Larger Social Response
The local senior center adds exercise equipment, because many individuals need to adapt to their changing exercise needs.

20. Now there is exercise and social interaction together, thus meeting both needs

21. Historical and Cross-Cultural Variations of the Elderly
In ancient times, most people died by the age of 35
Status and prestige were linked to wealth, knowledge, and health
In harsh environments, elders were a burden to nomadic tribes.
Since the 5th century BC, old age has been seen as a time of decline and decrepitude
Rich elderly landowners were respected by family b/c they had titles to the land and decided who inherited property and other assets.

22. Personal and Social Definitions of Age
With longevity increasing, older people are gaining status in the U.S. culture.
The position of older adults in society differs with:
chronological age
gender
ethnicity
historical cohort (those born in the same time period).

23. Aging Revolution: Demographics of Aging
The population of Americans 65 years and older has greatly exceeded the growth of the population as a whole. The oldest-old are most rapidly growing elderly age group.

28. Leading Causes of Death in Older Americans
Diseases of the heart
Malignant tumors
Strokes
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow
Pneumonia and flu
Chronic liver disease
Accidents
Diabetes
Suicide

29. Modernization Theory
In the mid-1800s, we shifted from an agricultural to an industrial economy
The Industrial Revolution resulted in the declining status of older individuals

30. Modernization Theory Growing emphasis on equality and efficiency.
Modernization Theory emphasizes shifting values.
Growing emphasis on equality and efficiency.
Increasing importance of technology and education.
Youth and physical strength were valued

31. Modernization
By the 1930s, old age was seen as a social problem. Rapid social change had caused a generation gap.
Ageism: the prejudiced behavior of individuals and systems within the culture against older adults, including the negative consequences of inaccurate stereotyping of the elderly

32. Detroit syndrome: describing older people in terms of the obsolescence that exists for cars

33. Two Types of Aging Physical: natural biological process
Sociogenic: imposed by folklore, prejudice, and stereotypes
Sociogenic aging results in older adults being represented poorly in art, literature, legislation and social policies

34. Discussion What evidence do we have that our society fears aging?
What are some of our stereotypes of the elderly?