Week 3 - Social Aspects of Aging, Ageism Flashcards
(48 cards)
How does aging in individuals affect the population.
Aging related changes happen in individuals which imposes change on population/social structure.
These changes in turn impact individuals not aging.
Contextual Effects
A population is in an environment due to its features.
Compositional Effects
An environment is a certain way due to its population.
Why are contextual and compositional effects important?
If compositional effects are happening you want to improve environment, if context is true you want to ignore population.
What is an example of a contextual problem?
Crime (context) being high in an environment might make the older population move out changing composition.
How can the change in age distribution of a population be an opportunity?
- If we can predict future populations
- if we make proper policies
Policy
A set of ideas or a plan of what to do in a particular situation, that have been agreed to officially.
How to make sure something is a policy?
- A guideline
- Should be clear and official
- Authority is needed
- Has evidence, is targeted
- Usually mandated
Who usually manages a policy?
Government, a business, a group of people, a political party.
When does social status change?
When people age
How does age impact social status?
- Lack of contribution (mandatory retirement)
- Old people themselves believe their age is a limitation
What societal context shapes intergenerational issues today?
We live in a place with limited resources, so competition is human-made.
Is a competitive society inevitable?
No, it’s possible to make society less competitive through policy and cultural change.
How have family values and relationships changed in the context of aging?
As family members age, younger members are expected to look out for them, straining family.
Who should ideally be responsible for elder care?
Society as a whole, not individual families.
Has policy or culture caught up with the demands of aging care?
No
Are intergenerational issues only challenges?
No, these issues present opportunities for growth.
Why is age often used to separate people?
It’s the easiest thing to measure.
How does society’s organization of aging affect older people?
Leads to limited access and resources for older people, social separation.
Do all older people experience aging the same way?
No, aging interests with other social factors.
What is intersectionality in the context of aging?
A person’s experience of aging is shaped by overlapping social factors.
How do social locations affect aging?
Impact health and resilience, foster strength under pressure.
Can one policy address all healthy aging needs?
No, because of diverse social locations, tailored policies are needed.
What are some common stereotypes about older people?
They are weak, incompetent and contribute nothing.
