1. Bellwork
What is old age?
How does life change when a person is old?

2. Ageism

3. Views on aging Different societies view aging differently.
Pre-Industrial societies:
Social Standing Increases as one ages
Industrial and Post Industrial Societies
Middle-Aged people hold the most power.

4. Ageism
The belief that one age category is by nature superior to another age category.
Often directed toward elderly people.
Can be seen in elderly stereotypes.

5. The Aging World
By 2050 the world’s population over the age of 60 will rise from 600 million to 2 billion.
“The Graying of America”
By 2050 nearly 20% of the US population will be over age 65.
Why?
Better living conditions and health care
High birth rates since 1946 (Baby Boom)

6. The Graying of America

7. The Politics of Aging More elderly people have political power.
Higher numbers = more voters
AARP
Concerns for elderly citizens
Dependency ratio and Social Security
The number of workers for each person receiving social security benefits.
5-1 in 1960 to 2-1 in 1998, still dropping.
Medicare and Medicaid

8. Americans with DisAbilities
Many elderly Americans also are treated differently because they often have disabilities.
33 million Americans have severe disabilities.
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act- 1990
Prevents discrimination of disabled people

9. Age Inequality? Read page 276- Age Inequality in the US
How does social inequality affect Americans 65 years of age and older?