chapter 12 Flashcards
(25 cards)
graying
a term used to indicate that an increasing proportion of a society’s population is over 65.
older adults
adults ages 65 and older
population aging
the relatively faster growth of the older population compared to the younger population and the resulting shifts in the age distribution of the population towards older ages. population aging is commonly measured as an increasing median age or a rising share of the population above a certain age, like 65.
social gerontology
the study of aging and older adults
aging
the combination of biological, psychological, and social processes that affect people as they grow older
Alzheimer’s disease
a degenerative disease of the brain resulting in progressive loss of mental capacity
social aging
the norms, values, and roles that are culturally associated with a particular chronological age
disengagement theory
a functionalist theory of aging that holds that it is functional for society to remove people of their traditional roles when they become older adults, thereby freeing up those roles for others
socioemotional selectivity theory
the theory that adults maintain fewer relationships as they age, but that those relationships are of higher quality
activity theory
a functionalist theory of aging that holds that busy, engaged people are more likely to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
continuity theory
the theory that older adults’ well-being is enhanced when their activities are consistent with their personality, preferences, and activities earlier in life.
conflict theories of aging
arguments that emphasize the ways in which the larger social structure helps shape the opportunities available to older adults. Unequal opportunities are seen as creating the potential for conflict.
life course
the various transitions and stages people experience during their lives
young old
sociological term for persons aged 65-74
old
sociological term for persons aged 75-84
oldest old
sociological term for persons aged 85 and older
cohort
a group of individuals who were born during the same time period, and thus share a similar pattern of historical experiences during their lives
social security
a federal program in the United States that provides retirement benefits and disability income to qualified people and their spouses, children, and survivors.
medicare
a program under the US social security administration that reimburses hospitals and physicians for medical care provided to qualifying people over 65 years old
emotional loneliness
the absence of an intimate confidant
social loneliness
the absence of a broader social network
ageism
discrimination or prejudice against a person on the grounds of age
old-age dependency ratio
the number of people ages 65 and older, divided by the number of persons ages 18 to 64
AARP
US advocacy group for people age 50 and older, formerly the American Association of Retired persons
