Ch 5. Inequality Based on Age

Question 1

Social Gerontology

Answer 1

the study of the social (non-physical) aspects of aging

Question 2

Chronological Age

Answer 2

date of birth

Question 3

Functional Age

Answer 3

observable traits linked to age
(ex. mobility, strength, coordination, and mental capacity)

Question 4

Ageism

Answer 4

prejudice/discrimination based on age

Question 5

Retirement principle

Answer 5

the idea that at a fixed age regardless of mental or physical ability, a person leaves work

Question 6

The average age at retirement has…

Answer 6

…risen recently and is expected to continue to rise

Question 7

Workplace Discrimination

Answer 7

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits unfair age-based employment practices, but discrimination in the workplace remains. Some employers prefer younger workers over older workers.

Question 8

Will healthcare costs spiral out of control with the increasing aging population?

Answer 8

Many scholars disagree because today’s seniors are healthier than others and everyone is using costly health care services, not just the elderly.

Question 9

Although reporting of good health declines with age, studies show that…

Answer 9

…many older persons do not develop disabling diseases; the vast majority are functioning quite well. Older people today are much healthier than those who reached old age in the past.

Question 10

Health stats (Gender, Indigenous people)

Answer 10

• Indigenous seniors report worse health than the Canadian population
• Equal percentages of males and females report good health

Question 11

Housing Patterns and Long-Term Care Facilities:

Answer 11

Even among those 85+ years, low percentages live in long-term care facilities

Among Western countries, Canada is an average contributor to long-term care (1.23 percent of GDP)

Question 12

Younger Elderly
Middle Elderly
Older Elderly

Answer 12

65-74
75-84
85+

Question 13

Home care could be less expensive if available:

Answer 13

• The cost of a private residence is approx—$ 4000/month vs. approx $2000/month for 4 hrs. of daily in-home care

Question 14

Victimization of Seniors (3)

Answer 14

• Seniors have the lowest rates for violent or property crimes
• Seniors are the main targets of scams
• Seniors are more likely to be abused by people they know

Question 15

Family Problems and Social Isolation (3):

Answer 15

• 27.9 % of seniors live alone
• Most live in “intimacy at a distance” with children
• Homeless seniors have many problems

Question 16

Stage-based Approach of Greif (Kübler-Ross)

Answer 16

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Question 17

Kübler-Ross (5 stages of grief) focused primarily on younger people with terminal illnesses…

Answer 17

…older may think differently and not move through stages as suggested.

Question 18

Dying Trajectory

Answer 18

focus on perceived course

Question 19

People move toward death at different speeds (sudden or slow) and in different ways (Acutes, Chronic, Terminal)

Answer 19

1. Acute—Maximum anxiety and fear
2. Chronic—Anxiety declines as a person confronts reality
3. Terminal—Withdrawal from others

Question 20

Task-Based Approach
Physical Tasks

Answer 20

Satisfy bodily needs and minimize physical distress

Question 21

Task-Based Approach
Psychological Tasks

Answer 21

Maximize psychological security, autonomy, and richness of experience

Question 22

Task-Based Approach
Social Tasks

Answer 22

Sustain and enhance interpersonal attachments and social implications of dying

Question 23

Task-Based Approach
Spiritual Tasks

Answer 23

Identify sources of spiritual energy and foster hope

Question 24

Hospice

Answer 24

an organization that provides home-like care for dying

Question 25

Disengagement Theory (Structural-Functional)

Answer 25

• It is normal for older people to want to be released from social expectations
• Permits transfer of responsibilities to the next generation

Question 26

Activity Theory (Symbolic Interactionalist)

Answer 26

Older people who are active are happier and better adjusted

Question 27

Social-Conflict

Answer 27

Class, gender, and racialization divide older and younger people. In a capitalist system, older people are set apart as a group that depends on special policies and programs.

Question 28

Feminist

Answer 28

Senior single and immigrant women have much lower incomes than senior men, but this should improve with more women in the labor force

Question 29

MAiD

Answer 29

Medical Assistance in Dying (legalized in 2016)

Question 30

Eligibility for MAiD (6)

Answer 30

1. be eligible for health services funded by the federal government, or a province or territory (or during the applicable minimum period of residence or waiting period for eligibility)
2. be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. This means being capable of making health care decisions for yourself.
3. have agrievous and irremediable medical condition (changed so that now you don’t need to have a fatal/terminal condition to be eligible)
4. make a voluntary request for MAiD that is not the result of outside pressure or influence
5. giveinformed consentto receive MAID
6. experience unbearable physical or mental suffering from your illness, disease, disability, or state of decline that cannot be relieved under conditions that you consider acceptable

Question 31

Key Foundations of the Provision of MAiD in Alberta (8)

Answer 31

1. Patient autonomy
2. Equitable access
3. Respect for moral conscience
4. Respect and dignity
5. Healthcare provider qualifications
6. Duty to provide care
7. Criminal law application and protections
8. Protection of vulnerable patients