Week 1 - Aging Today

Question 1

Gerontology

Answer 1

Scientific study of growing old. Geron (old person) + logia (study of).

Question 2

Geriatrics

Answer 2

Speciality of medicine for the treatment of diseases for older people.

Question 3

What is the current aging status in Canada?

Answer 3

• More of an older population
• More older adults than children

Question 4

How does the current population pyramid look in Canada?

Answer 4

Like a rectangle.

Question 5

As populations age, what are the three changes that will be observed in social structure?

Answer 5

1. Family structure
2. Education and job market
3. Health and social policies

Question 6

How does family structure change as populations age?

Answer 6

3 or more generations living in the same household.

Question 7

How does the education and job market change as populations age?

Answer 7

Healthier older adults living in society means more work.

Question 8

How does health and social policies change as populations age?

Answer 8

The current system favours acute illnesses, but older people tend to have chronic illnesses.

Question 9

As populations age, what are the three changes that will be observed in population health?

Answer 9

1. More chronic diseases and disabilities
2. More need for health-care services (long-term care)
3. More cost

Question 10

W.H.O Definition of Health

Answer 10

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Question 11

How many older adults (65+) in Canada have chronic conditions?

Answer 11

46% have 2-3 chronic conditions.
16.6% have 4+ chronic conditions.

Question 12

What illness do those aged 45-64 mainly suffer from?

Answer 12

High blood pressure

Question 13

Myth

Answer 13

Widespread belief not well-supported by evidence.

Question 14

How can a myth harm us?

Answer 14

Stereotype - Prejudice - Discrimination

Can lead to ageism

Question 15

Prejudice

Answer 15

Deciding based on beliefs

Question 16

Discrimination

Answer 16

Acting based on beliefs

Question 17

Ageism

Answer 17

Discrimination against people for their age.

Question 18

What is the third greatest “ism” in Canadian society?

Answer 18

Ageism

Question 19

What are some reasons that may cause ageism?

Answer 19

1. The young and middle aged feel a distaste for aging
2. Old age seen as weakness and death
3. People know little about old age, only myth and fear

Question 20

Myth or Truth: As people grow old, deterioration in physical health is inevitable.

Answer 20

Myth
True to some extent, but self and society’s perception is key. “healthy” factors can modify aging process.

Question 21

Myth or Truth: Despite experience, older people cannot have useful economic contributions.

Answer 21

Myth
Workers don’t become dependent the moment they turn 65.
Some professions suit old age

Question 22

Myth or Truth: Resources used for older adults will be wasted and there will be better uses for them.

Answer 22

Myth
Interventions benefit all, as having a healthy older population saves money.

Question 23

Myth or Truth: People in older age groups face a higher risk of criminal victimization that people in younger age groups.

Answer 23

Myth
They face a lower risk. Face higher risks for other crimes, like fraud.

Question 24

Social Structure

Answer 24

Pattern of social interactions.
ex. family, education system

Question 25

Implicit Age Bias

Answer 25

Feelings about another age (the elderly) that exist without awareness or control.

Question 26

Elderspeak

Answer 26

A specialized speech register resembling baby talk for adressing older adults.

Question 27

What are some examples of elderspeak?

Answer 27

Slower speech, larger pauses, saying stuff like "sweetie".

Question 28

The Third Age

Answer 28

Age when people are old but don't feel old, 65 years. Free of work, childcare, good health

Question 29

The Fourth Age

Answer 29

Age when people feel old, facing physical decline, losing autonomy and social status is shifting. 85 Years.

Question 30

Who is Ari Seth Cohen?

Answer 30

New York City photographer who photographs older women wearing pretty and vibrant clothing.

Question 31

What is the significance of Ari Seth Cohen's work?

Answer 31

His work helps the viewer rethink stereotypes about older women.

Question 32

What is the issue with the anti-aging industry?

Answer 32

Cashs on the denial of aging. Products can cause harm, people put off proper treatments for them.

Question 33

Amortality

Answer 33

Describes the ageless self. Amortals deny age aging and age norms.

Question 34

Gerontophobia

Answer 34

Hatred or fear of older adults, fear of self-degeneration.

Question 35

Intergenerational Equity

Answer 35

Views human community as a partnership across all generations. Each generation has the right to inherit resources.