1. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 CHAPTER 1: THE GROWTH OF SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY

2. The Field of Gerontology Gerontology the field of study that focuses on understanding the biological, psychological, social, and political factors that influence people’s lives Geriatrics clinical study and treatment of older people and the diseases that affect them

3. Four Processes of Aging Chronological Aging Biological Aging Psychological Aging Social Aging

4. What is Aging? Aging Changes that occur to an organism during its life span, from development to maturation to senescence Intragenerational Diversity Young-Old (ages 65-74) Old-Old (ages 75-84) Oldest-Old (ages 85 and older)

5. An Active Aging Framework Active aging Emphasis on autonomy/choice with aging A model of viewing aging as a positive experience of continued growth and participation in family, community, and societal activities, regardless of physical and cognitive decline

6. Person-Environment Perspective on Social Gerontology A model that suggests that the environment is not a static backdrop, but changes continually as the elder takes from it what he/she needs, controls what can be modified, and adjusts to conditions that cannot be changed

7. Growth of the Older Population Changes in Life Expectancy Females born in 2005 are expected to reach 80.4 years Males born in 2005 are expected to reach 75.2 years Even in 2050, male life expectancy will be less than 80 years; females will achieve 84.3 years

8. Number of Men per 100 Women by Age: 2004 Source: U. S. Census Bureau, 2006a.

9. Growth of the Older Population The Oldest-Old (Ages 85 and older) Grows more rapidly than any other age group in the U.S. 2005: 36.8 million > age 65 Centenarians (Age 100 and older) 1 in 26 Americans can expect to live to 100 by 2025, compared with only 1 in 500 in 2000

10. Percentage of Older Americans by Age Group

11. Population Trends Ethnic Minorities Geographic Distribution Educational and Economic Status Impact of Demographic Trends

12. Source: National Projections Program, Population Division, U. S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233

15. How Aging and Older Adults are Studied Research Methods Age/Period/Cohort Problem Cross-sectional Longitudinal studies Sequential designs Representative samples