Ageing Population: Social Issues and Media Concerns

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are common health impacts associated with aging across societies?

Increased social mobility

Improved mental health

Greater access to technology

Higher rates of chronic illnesses (correct)

Which statement reflects the economic contributions of older adults?

Many older adults invest heavily in technological startups.

Older adults are typically retired and contribute little to the economy.

Older adults often possess significant experience that can increase workplace productivity. (correct)

Older generations have lower spending power compared to younger ones.

How does social class intersect with aging?

Social class does not affect aging experiences.

Social class is irrelevant when discussing aging disparities.

Higher social class leads to uniformly better aging experiences across all societies.

Lower social class can result in fewer resources and support as individuals age. (correct)

What is a key aspect of life course and inequality in relation to aging?

Life expectancy and aging experiences are influenced by economic and cultural resources. Signup and view all the answers

How is youth commonly represented in the media compared to aging?

The media tends to glorify youth and depict aging negatively. Signup and view all the answers

What does increasing life expectancy not necessarily guarantee?

A better quality of health in old age Signup and view all the answers

How do older adults contribute economically, according to the information provided?

By maintaining spending power and working Signup and view all the answers

What factor can exacerbate inequalities faced by older people?

Economic status and social class Signup and view all the answers

What misconception often arises in the media regarding older adults?

They are considered burdensome due to healthcare costs Signup and view all the answers

What is often overlooked in the discussion of aging and its challenges?

The contributions older adults make to society Signup and view all the answers

What common narrative does the media create regarding youth behavior?

Generational differences are exaggerated through stereotypes Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is highlighted as being exacerbated by social class in later life?

Quality of health care received Signup and view all the answers

What does the media often ignore when discussing the financial burdens faced by youth?

The significant debt loads students carry Signup and view all the answers

How does childhood poverty impact health in later years?

It can lead to chronic health issues in adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue faced particularly by older women in society?

Reduced retirement benefits compared to men. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does globalisation have on millennials?

Contributes to job insecurity and stagnating wages. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the changing nature of university education in recent years?

Market forces dominate, treating education as a consumer good. Signup and view all the answers

Which event during middle age significantly affects economic well-being?

Birth of children Signup and view all the answers

What is an impact of technological change on millennials?

It has increased the complexity of their work-life balance. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly hinders educational outcomes for children from low-income families?

Structural family type. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of intersectionality apply to aging?

It reveals that age, gender, and socio-economic factors collectively influence experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities

Increasing life expectancy doesn't always equate to a healthy life expectancy, raising concerns about health and social care needs.
Social class intersects with age, leading to unequal life chances for different age groups.
Material deprivation and inequality are exacerbated in later life due to factors like class, gender, ethnicity, employment, and sexuality.
Individuals who face challenges entering the labor market are often the most materially deprived.
Lower-income countries may neglect older adults due to other pressing issues.
Social implications of ageing include health status, work status, experiences of inequalities, and isolation.

Media Concerns

Media frequently expresses concerns about the healthcare system's capacity to manage the needs of an aging population, highlighting issues like bed-blockers and inequalities in affordability.
Older individuals are perceived as a drain on taxpayers due to their social care needs.
Digital services can exclude older individuals, further exacerbating social inequalities.
The traditional concept of retirement at a younger age is unsustainable due to the strain it places on the welfare state.
The notion of a "crisis" surrounding aging is often used to distract from other social and political issues.
A shift away from "deficit models" of aging is crucial, recognizing that successful aging extends beyond paid employment contributions.

Positive Aspects of an Aging Society

Individuals over 65 contribute economically through work, taxes, and spending power.
They contribute to society through charitable giving and volunteering, including childcare which can save money for families and the state.
The elderly contribute financially to younger generations through inheritance, housing, and gifts.
Time, rather than age, is the primary factor contributing to rising healthcare costs.

Media Concerns About Youth

Millennials are often stereotyped in the media, exaggerating differences between generations.
The burden of higher education debt heavily affects students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
Only a small percentage of students are expected to fully repay their student debt.
While there is increasing support for right-wing policies and uncertainty, millennials exhibit greater tolerance towards issues like homosexuality and racial diversity.

Age is a social construct that impacts the lives of individuals across societies, leading to social divisions and inequalities.
The perception of age varies drastically between cultures, with some societies valuing older individuals while others view them as low status.
Technological and social change create distinct lived experiences between generations.
Global aging is occurring at an uneven pace, resulting in significant inequalities in life expectancy.

Adolescence

Adolescence is a crucial stage for laying the foundation for future health and well-being.
The period is marked by various health issues, including educational inequalities, where attending university is often seen as a "rite of passage" primarily accessible to young people from higher-income families.
Additional challenges for adolescents include food shortages, conflict, and economic hardship.

University Education & Inequalities

The marketization of university education has resulted in the introduction of student fees, subsequent price increases, changes in research funding, and reduced subsidies.
Education has transformed from a social good into an individual consumer good, acquired in the marketplace, with uncertain economic rewards.

Middle Age

Middle age is characterized by events that can affect economic security, well-being, mental health, and can lead to poverty. These events include:
- The birth of children
- Children leaving home
- Divorce
- The onset of disability
- Unemployment and redundancy
- Retirement
The "sandwich generation" faces the challenge of caring for both younger and older generations, adding emotional and financial stresses.
The COVID pandemic has increased the pressures on the "sandwich generation", requiring them to support multiple generations.

Intersectionality and Generational Comparisons

**Women tend to live longer than men, but face poorer health and higher rates of disability due to accumulated economic disadvantages. **
The "feminization of poverty" becomes increasingly apparent in older age.
Older women face issues of invisibility and are more susceptible to ageism than men.

The Lifecourse Concept

Early life experiences, particularly those related to socioeconomic factors like social class and income, influence later life outcomes.
Social background plays a crucial role in early educational achievements.
Inequalities experienced in early life, such as spending childhood in poverty, can impact long-term health.
Generational differences in experiences like unstable employment, home ownership, and inheritance contribute to disparities in the lifecourse.

Challenges Faced by Millennials

Millennials face numerous challenges:
- Demographic change
- Brexit
- Globalization
- Technological change
- Environmental change
- Policy changes like increasing university fees coupled with stagnating wages.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has further affected millennials through job losses, difficulties adapting to remote work, and lower well-being.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing population, focusing on health and social care needs, social inequalities, and the impact of socio-economic factors. Additionally, it examines media portrayals of older adults and the healthcare system's capacity to address their requirements. Test your understanding of the complex interplay between age, class, and health in today's society.