(146-150; 238-242)(146-150; 238-242)

Aging and Aging and DisabilityDisability

(146-150; 238-242)(146-150; 238-242)

Gerontology (Social Gerontology (Social Gerontology)Gerontology)

• The scientific study of the processes The scientific study of the processes and phenomena of agingand phenomena of aging

Young OldYoung Old – ages 65 – 74 – ages 65 – 74

• Major concernsMajor concerns: : – retirement retirement – maintaining relationships maintaining relationships – new opportunities new opportunities – positive mental health positive mental health

Middle OldMiddle Old – ages 75 – 84 – ages 75 – 84

• Major concernsMajor concerns: : – physical health physical health – mental functioning mental functioning – dependency dependency – death issues death issues

Old OldOld Old – ages 85+ – ages 85+

• Major concernsMajor concerns: : – same as Middle Old same as Middle Old

AgeismAgeism

• the belief that one age category is the belief that one age category is naturally superior to another naturally superior to another

““Graying of America”Graying of America”

• by 2030 20% of our population will by 2030 20% of our population will be 65+ be 65+

• Because ofBecause of: advances in healthcare, : advances in healthcare, low birthrates since the 60’s, and all low birthrates since the 60’s, and all baby-boomers will be over 65 by baby-boomers will be over 65 by thenthen

MedicareMedicare

• gov’t sponsored health insurance gov’t sponsored health insurance plan for elderly and disabled plan for elderly and disabled Americans Americans

MedicaidMedicaid

• health insurance plan for low-income health insurance plan for low-income individuals individuals

DisabilityDisability

• 51 million Americans have disabilities 51 million Americans have disabilities (paralysis -> speech impairments)(paralysis -> speech impairments)

Americans with Disabilities Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Act (ADA) 1990 1990

• Addressed four main areas: Addressed four main areas: employment, public services, public employment, public services, public accommodations, and accommodations, and telecommunicationstelecommunications

Blue Zones (pg. 238)Blue Zones (pg. 238)

• Common characteristics:Common characteristics:– Eat sensiblyEat sensibly– Physical activity everydayPhysical activity everyday– Sense of purposeSense of purpose– Strong sense of family or communityStrong sense of family or community