Flashcards Chapter 13: Aging and Longevity

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Questions and Answers

Supercentenarians people who are ___ and older

110

About how old are the 'old old' senior citizens that your grandmother refers to?

At what age did your grandmother-in-law break her hip?

What does the phrase 'the grand' refer to in the context of sociologists?

The greatest part of the population is reaching the age 65 entering old age Signup and view all the answers

Which approach has been used to avoid the collapse of Social Security?

Increasing age at which someone can start collecting Social Security Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependency ratio?

It is the comparison of working people to nonworking people Signup and view all the answers

What plan was the result of the summit addressing challenges facing the elderly?

The Madrid plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the situation being experienced by the lady in the nursing home observed by your dad?

Secondary aging Signup and view all the answers

According to Erick Erickson's theory on aging, what is the final hurdle that most old age individuals must overcome?

Despair Signup and view all the answers

What social issue do many elderly females discover they are victims of?

Having their medical ailments trivialized by doctors Signup and view all the answers

Elderly people have an appetite and drive for sex.

False Signup and view all the answers

Elizabeth Kubler Ross's book contributed greatly to which field?

Thanatology Signup and view all the answers

How do elderly widows and widowers generally react to the death of their significant other?

Differently, elderly widows often do not remarry while elderly widowers do Signup and view all the answers

Which three states allow some form of physician-assisted suicide?

Washington Signup and view all the answers

Accusing people of DWE is considered a type of what?

Ageism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a society where elderly people function as elders and leaders?

Gerontocracy Signup and view all the answers

What causes some caretakers to abuse their elderly charges?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic idea behind disengagement theory?

As people age, they generally withdraw from all forms of society Signup and view all the answers

What do conflict theorists describe regarding elderly individuals as technology advances?

Elderly people are left behind and they lose social standing and power. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory might researchers find useful for studying senior centers and groups of elderly people?

Some culture of aging theory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aging and Supercentenarians

Supercentenarians are individuals aged 110 and older.
The term reflects the increasing number of people reaching extreme old age.

Age Demographics

"Old old" senior citizens are typically defined as those aged 85 and older.
The classification helps understand various age groups within the elderly population.

Aging Terminology

Individuals aged 72 can be described as "young old," indicating they are relatively active compared to older seniors.
Sociologists highlight a demographic trend where a significant portion of the U.S. population is aging, categorized as entering old age at 65.

Concerns persist about Social Security's sustainability, with solutions previously focused on raising the eligibility age for benefits.
The dependency ratio illustrates the proportion of working individuals compared to those who do not work.

Global Aging Initiatives

The Madrid Plan emerged from international discussions addressing challenges faced by an aging global population.
It emphasizes collective action among nations to tackle elderly care and policies.

Aging and Health

Secondary aging refers to age-related conditions exacerbated by environmental factors, exemplified by an elderly woman in a nursing home.
Despair is the significant psychological challenge faced by elderly individuals, as noted by Erik Erikson.

Gender Issues in Aging

Elderly women often face medical issues being trivialized, highlighting gender-related disparities in healthcare.
It's important to note that not all elderly individuals lose interest in sexual activity, countering misconceptions about aging.

Thanatology and Death Awareness

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's work contributed significantly to thanatology, the study of death and dying processes.
Early widows and widowers tend to have different reactions to the loss of a spouse, with many women remaining unmarried compared to men.

Physician-Assisted Suicide

Physician-assisted suicide is permitted in Washington, Oregon, and Montana under specific conditions.

Accusations of ageism reflect a form of discrimination against older adults, impacting their social interactions.
Gerontocracy describes a social structure where elders hold power and leadership within a community.

Caregiver Dynamics

Caregiver abuse can stem from caretakers experiencing depression, affecting their ability to provide care.
Disengagement theory posits that aging individuals may withdraw from social interactions, leading to isolation.

Modernization theory suggests that societal progress leaves the elderly behind, resulting in diminished social status.
Symbolic interactionism can be applied to study senior centers, revealing insights into the culture of aging and intergenerational interactions.

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Description

This quiz consists of flashcards from Chapter 13 that focus on definitions related to aging and longevity. Test your knowledge on key terms such as 'supercentenarians' and the age classification of senior citizens. Perfect for reinforcing important concepts in gerontology.