Demographics of Older Adults Quiz

Demographics of Older Adults

• Older population is growing rapidly (⅛ in 2009, ⅕ projected by 2030), primarily due to baby boomers reaching older age and better healthcare.
• Life expectancy has increased from 77.6 in 2003 to 79.05 in 2022.
• Gender is the biggest factor influencing life expectancy, with females living longer.
• Racial and ethnic diversity significantly impacts health outcomes.
• In 2009, most elders owned their homes and lived in metropolitan areas.
• Highest elderly population concentrations are in California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

Marital Status and Living Arrangements

• Widows and widowers are significantly affected by the differing life expectancies.
• Marriage often correlates with better health outcomes and socio-economic factors, including higher household incomes.
• Most elders live in family settings with other individuals.
• Divorce rates are increasing amongst elders. A small proportion reside in nursing homes.

The Older American Act (OAA)

• Federal law (signed 1965) providing social and nutritional services to older adults, focusing on dignity and maintaining well-being.

Health and Education

• Most elders have at least one chronic condition (over 92%).
• Formal education levels are generally lower compared to younger generations, although Baby Boomers have been the most educated cohort. Educational attainment differs by race and ethnicity.
• Elders are often lifelong learners.

Income and Financial Security

• Social Security (established 1935) is a primary income source and reduces financial vulnerability, particularly for men.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI, established 1974) assists aged, blind, and disabled individuals.
• Other income sources include personal assets, savings, home equity, pensions, and IRAs.
• Significant income disparities exist between racial and ethnic groups.

Health Status & Healthcare

• Elders often face challenges in seeking healthcare due to various factors, including historical and systemic issues.
• Minority elders experience higher poverty levels and racial discrimination, with black elders being approximately 20% poverty-stricken in 2009.
• Hispanic elders, a rapidly growing group, often have lower education levels and higher obesity/diabetes rates.

Longevity and Life Span

• Life span is the theoretical limit of human life (approx 115-120 years).
• Life expectancy is the average number of years a person is predicted to live.
• Research into longevity factors includes examining actuarial data, animal studies, longitudinal studies, and centenarian studies

Factors Influencing Longevity

• Heredity: Centenarians often have long-lived relatives.
• Lifestyle Factors: Diet, activity levels, stress management, and parenting styles contribute.
• Gender: Females generally live longer due to potential genetic and hormonal factors.
• Race and Ethnicity: Socioeconomic factors related to race and ethnicity often impact longevity.
• Smoking: Smoking is a leading preventable cause of death, significantly reducing life expectancy in both men (13.2 years) and women (14.5 years).
• Genetic and Acquired Diseases: Presence of chronic conditions and genetic predispositions affect life expectancy.
• Body Weight & Height: Obesity is linked to premature death and disability.
• Physical Activity: High levels of physical activity help reduce mortality rates.
• Alcohol Use: Moderate alcohol use benefits cardiovascular health. For heavy drinkers (3 or more drinks/day), life expectancy decreases.
• Marital Status: Married individuals tend to live longer than widowed or divorced individuals.
• Physiological Factors: Personality traits (like calmness) can influence longevity.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Higher education and income are often associated with longer lifespans.
• Environmental Factors: Radiation and air pollution negatively correlate with longevity.

Biological Theories of Aging

• Two primary theories explain aging:
  • Random Theory: Accumulation of errors and damage within cells.
  • Programmed Theory: Aging is determined by genetic characteristics.