Introduction to Gerontology

Questions and Answers

What is gerontology?

Study of aging and the aged

What does the term 'gerontophobia' refer to?

Medical care for the aged

Study of aging

Dislike of aging

Fear of aging (correct)

Define ageism.

Dislike of aging/older adult

What is geriatrics?

Medical care for the aged Signup and view all the answers

Which age group categorizes individuals aged 65-74?

Young old Signup and view all the answers

What is the life expectancy in the US?

75.7 years Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect life expectancy?

Genetics Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of older people in the Philippines were living in poverty?

31.4% Signup and view all the answers

Men have a longer average life span than women.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of centenarians?

They are typically impoverished Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a biological theory of aging?

Free radical theory Signup and view all the answers

Which psychosocial theory suggests that withdrawal from society is beneficial?

Disengagement theory Signup and view all the answers

Match the following psychosocial theories to their descriptions:

Activity theory = Positive adaptation through engagement Disengagement theory = Withdrawal from society promotes reflection Continuity theory = Personality influences role consistency Subculture theory = Sharing societal negativity regarding the aged Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of aging and the aged.
"Gero" refers to old age, while "ology" indicates the study of a specific group.

Gerontophobia and Ageism

Gerontophobia is the fear of aging.
Age discrimination refers to emotional prejudice against older adults.
Ageism denotes a general dislike of aging and older individuals.

Geriatrics and Gerontological Nursing

Geriatrics focuses on medical care specifically for the aged.
Gerontological Nursing incorporates the principles of gerontology within nursing practice.

Age Groups and Sex Ratio

Young old: Ages 65-74, with a sex ratio of 100 females to 86 males.
Middle old: Ages 75-84, with a sex ratio of 100 females to 72 males.
Old old/very old frail elderly: Ages 85 and above, with a sex ratio of 100 females to 49 males.

Demographics of Aging

Life expectancy in the US is 75.7 years, with a maximum lifespan reaching 115 years.
French women have recorded a lifespan of 122 years (1994).
Factors affecting life expectancy include improved sanitation, medical care advancements, and preventive health measures.

Centenarians

Centenarians are individuals who live to be 100 years old, often facing poverty, widowhood, and higher disability rates.
Common traits among centenarians include lower body weight, few medications, and fewer chronic diseases.

Feminization of Later Life

Women make up 55% of the older population, with an average lifespan of 81 years in the US.
The average lifespan for men in the US is 75.2 years.

Aging Population in the Philippines

The older population is projected to comprise 7.7% of the total by 2025.
In 2017, the total population was approximately 104 million.
Life expectancy for both sexes in the Philippines is 68.5 years, with males at 65.3 years and females at 72 years.

Older Adults' Care Needs

Demand for healthcare among older individuals is growing due to degenerative and communicable diseases, with infections being a leading cause of morbidity.
Approximately 31.4% of older adults live in poverty, facing unemployment and working mainly in farming, forestry, and fishing (63.6% male, 37.4% female).

Family Impact of Aging

Aging family members can lead to emotional challenges such as sadness, resentment, and strain on relationships and work-life balance.

Theories of Aging

Biological Theories

Stochastic theories cite random events causing cellular damage, including the free radical theory, which emphasizes the role of environmental toxins and inflammation.
Non-stochastic theories posit genetically programmed events, such as the programmed theory and gene/biological clock theory.

Psychosocial Theories

Sociological theories (like the activity and disengagement theories) address how changing roles and relationships affect older adults.
Psychological theories focus on mental processes and motivation, with Maslow's hierarchy of needs highlighting self-actualization.

Summary

Understanding aging involves examining biological, psychosocial, and demographic factors, while addressing the healthcare needs and societal attitudes towards older populations.