Sociology of Aging in Canada
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Questions and Answers

Which factor primarily contributes to the diversity observed in the aging process within a multicultural society like Canada?

  • Variations within Indigenous, language, ethnic, rural, and religious subcultures. (correct)
  • Standardized healthcare access irrespective of cultural background.
  • Homogeneous experiences shared by all older individuals.
  • Universal application of government policies across all demographics.

How do physical and cognitive changes typically influence social relations as individuals age?

  • They lead to a uniform increase in social interactions for all aging individuals.
  • They automatically result in complete social isolation for older adults.
  • They have no impact on the nature and frequency of social relations.
  • They influence the nature and frequency of social relations, potentially leading to changes in independence and support needs. (correct)

What is a key implication of demographic changes, particularly shifts in fertility, mortality, and immigration rates, on the aging population?

  • An equal distribution of resources among all age groups, regardless of demographic shifts.
  • Changes in the size, composition, and distribution of the population by age, affecting social and economic policies. (correct)
  • A static age distribution, making it easier to predict future social needs.
  • A decrease in the overall population size, leading to reduced strain on resources.

Why is it important to study aging from multiple disciplinary and theoretical perspectives?

<p>To gain a comprehensive understanding of aging phenomena throughout the life course. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the shift in the status of older people as societies transition from pre-industrial to industrial and postmodern states?

<p>Significant diversity in the aging process and status of older people due to cultural differences and historical events. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of aging, what do positive adaptations to physical and cognitive changes enable aging individuals to do?

<p>Maximize well-being and fulfill their potential as human beings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does immigration influence the diversity of Canada’s older population?

<p>It introduces a wider range of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, increasing diversity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between individual aging and population aging?

<p>They are linked, with population aging being influenced by individual aging experiences and having societal implications. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which funding body primarily supported the establishment of the Research Centre on Aging in Sherbrooke, QC, in 1988?

<p>Fonds de recherché en santé du Québec (FRSQ) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the contribution of David Foot's 'Boom, Bust & Echo' (1996)?

<p>It was the first Canadian book to identify population aging as a key driver of socioeconomic change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of the Canadian Journal on Aging Special Issue—Francophone Research in Gerontology in Canada 7 (4)?

<p>To make French-language gerontological research more accessible. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical perspective was introduced in Canadian gerontology with the publication of E. Gee and G. Gutman's book in 2000?

<p>Questioning the alarmist views of population aging. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the creation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in 2000 impact aging research in Canada?

<p>It stimulated research specifically focused on health issues related to aging through the Institute of Aging (IA). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research area did the book 'Restructuring Work and the Life Course' (2003) by V. Marshall, W. Heinz, and A. Verma primarily focus on?

<p>The transformations in employment and individual life paths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of B. Mitchell's 'Boomerang Age: Transitions to Adulthood in Families' (2006)?

<p>The trend of young adults returning to live with their parents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the first (2003) and second (2008) editions of 'Aging in Contemporary Canada'?

<p>E. Gee, a co-author of the first edition, passed away prior to the publication of the second edition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that the maximum human lifespan is unlikely to significantly increase in the immediate future?

<p>Inherent limitations are imposed by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variables. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have demographic and health transitions globally impacted life expectancy trends?

<p>Increased life expectancy due to fewer deaths at birth and in infancy, with more individuals reaching advanced age. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does not significantly contribute to the variability observed in life expectancy across different populations?

<p>Random chance events that are impossible to predict. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A public health initiative aims to reduce infant mortality rates in a developing nation. Based on the information, what broad outcome would this initiative likely contribute to?

<p>Increase in the average national life expectancy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in life expectancy trends between developed and developing nations, according to the text?

<p>Life expectancy is increasing more rapidly in developing nations compared to developed nations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, how do claims of anti-aging products contrast with scientific evidence?

<p>Most claims regarding anti-aging products lack robust scientific support, and some products carry potential health risks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the data provided on life expectancy among Indigenous Peoples in Canada, what inference can be made?

<p>Life expectancy disparities may exist based on ethnicity and cultural factors within Canada. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country implements policies that significantly improve sanitation, access to clean water, and nutrition for its population, what is the likely long-term impact on life expectancy?

<p>Life expectancy will likely increase as these factors reduce mortality from infectious diseases and improve overall health. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of focusing solely on the numerical increase in the aging population, without considering other social changes?

<p>It can obstruct rational policy-making by ignoring the potential contributions of older adults. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors, if properly addressed, can offset the perceived societal burden of an aging population?

<p>Health promotion, increased savings, higher education, and timely policy planning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'apocalyptic demography' in the context of population aging?

<p>An ideology that exaggerates or misinterprets population statistics to portray aging as a societal crisis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'apocalyptic demography' is often influenced by what?

<p>Public policies designed for hypothetical average people and simplistic projections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the life-course perspective, what role does agency play in an individual's life?

<p>It is a process where individuals construct their life course by making choices and taking actions within the constraints and opportunities of their environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do social structures, personal history, and significant others influence agency, according to the provided text?

<p>They strongly influence intentional choices and actions within the construct of agency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might healthier and more educated older people contribute to society?

<p>By serving as volunteers, caregivers, or paid workers as the labor force shrinks . (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Marshall emphasize regarding agency and personal responsibility?

<p>He stresses the personal responsibility inherited to invoke agency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions reflects a concern arising from 'apocalyptic demography'?

<p>Will increased longevity lead to hospitals being overwhelmed by frail older people, limiting access for other age groups? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumption contributes to the idea of an aging population as a societal 'drain'?

<p>That older adults are a homogeneous group with uniform needs and capabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Hitlin and Kwon, what is a significant outcome of exercising agency?

<p>Creating unique identities, developing personal meanings, and deciding which social groups are significant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be the consequence of the media and policymakers focusing on the potential bankruptcy of pension systems due to an aging population?

<p>Neglecting to consider alternative economic solutions or the potential for increased productivity among older adults. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it problematic to treat older adults as a homogeneous group, according to the text?

<p>Because Canada's population of older adults varies by chronological age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, wealth and social status, health status, type and place of residence, and living arrangements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequences arise from treating older adults as a homogeneous group?

<p>It can lead to ineffective policies and programs that don't address the diverse needs of this group. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of agency relate to the diversity observed in the older population?

<p>Agency highlights the role of individual choices in shaping diverse lifestyles, experiences, and quality of life among different age cohorts in the older population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the context of the life course, how do constraints and opportunities interact with individual agency?

<p>Constraints and opportunities of social structures shape, but do not completely determine, the exercise of individual agency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of chronological age in society, as described?

<p>To provide social order and control through legal definitions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might laws based on chronological age, like mandatory retirement, become contentious over time?

<p>Because societal norms around aging change and life expectancy increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'functional age', and why is it considered a useful guideline?

<p>How well an individual performs specific physical, cognitive, or social tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of mandatory retirement for pilots illustrate the complexities of age-based regulations?

<p>It highlights the ongoing debate about whether chronological or functional age should determine eligibility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new policy mandates cognitive testing for individuals over 75 to maintain their driver's license. Which concept is most directly influencing this policy?

<p>Chronological age, as it sets a specific age criterion for testing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A law initially set retirement at age 65 but is now being reconsidered due to increased life expectancy. Which factor is driving this reevaluation the most?

<p>The recognition that functional age may not correspond with chronological age. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company decides to implement flexible work arrangements for employees over 60, citing the diverse capabilities within that age group. What concept aligns best with this decision?

<p>Functional age, recognizing that abilities vary widely among individuals of the same age. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A country is debating raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, citing concerns about alcohol-related incidents. What is the most direct implication of this change?

<p>A potential conflict between chronological age and perceived maturity levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

IESOP Program

A program focused on the economic security of older populations.

Boom, Bust & Echo

The first Canadian book that recognized population aging as a primary driver of social and economic changes.

CJA Francophone Issue

A special issue of the Canadian Journal on Aging that highlighted French-language gerontological research in Canada.

Quebec Aging Network

An aging research network established in Quebec, funded by Fonds de recherché en santé du Québec.

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CIHR Institute of Aging (IA)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) institute that stimulates research on health issues related to aging.

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Overselling of Population Aging

A Canadian book that critiqued the idea of population aging as an apocalyptic event.

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Boomerang Age

Examines changing patterns and relationships as individuals transition into adulthood.

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Social Dynamics of the Life Course

Explores the dynamic links between life course changes and social institutions

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Aging as a Social Process

The study of how individuals and populations change over time.

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Individual vs. Population Aging

Changes within an individual as they age versus changes in the age structure of a population.

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Four Types of Aging

Physical, psychological, social, and chronological aging.

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Diversity in Aging

How cultural and historical contexts affect the aging experience.

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Modernization and Aging

Shift from agricultural societies to industrialized nations, impacting the status of older adults.

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Physical and Cognitive Changes

How the body's systems change over time, influencing social interactions.

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Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing.

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Demographic Indicators of Aging

The size, composition, and distribution of a population by age.

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Maximum Lifespan

The maximum possible length of life for a species.

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Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live.

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Demographic and Health Transition

Deaths at birth and infantcy are decreasing, more individuals reaching advanced age.

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Anti-Aging Products

Products claiming to reverse the aging process.

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Life Expectancy Variation

Average life expectancy varies among people.

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Gender and Life Expectancy

Women tend to live longer than men on average.

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Indigenous Life Expectancy (Canada)

Indigenous Peoples of Canada have lower life expectancy.

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Factors Limiting Lifespan

Genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

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Population Aging Fears

Fears focusing solely on population numbers, ignoring other factors.

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Apocalyptic Demography

The notion that an aging population drains societal resources.

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Aging as a Societal Burden

Older adults are viewed as a burden, draining resources from the young and healthy.

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"Voodoo" Demography

When population statistics are misinterpreted to create exaggerated fears.

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Pension System Solvency

Sufficient funds for public pension systems when future cohorts retire.

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Hospital Overload

The idea that hospitals will be overwhelmed by older patients.

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Older Adults as Resource

Healthier, educated, active older people contributing through volunteering or work.

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Alzheimer's disease crisis

The worry that population aging will cause an unmanageable rise in cases.

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Agency (Life Course)

The ability to construct one's life course through choices and actions, influenced by social structures, personal history, and significant others.

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Agency as a Process

Individuals make intentional choices and take actions to construct their life course.

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Influences on Agency

Constraints, opportunities, past experiences, and significant people.

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Agency Definition

The human capacity to act intentionally and planfully throughout life.

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Agency as Production

The production of a life, where individuals actively shape their biographical selves.

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Agency and Responsibility

A culturally legitimated responsibility to act for oneself, others, organizations, or ideas.

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Outcomes of Agency

Through agency, individuals create unique identities, develop personal meanings, and select significant social groups.

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Diversity in Older Adults

The population of older adults varies by chronological age, gender, culture, wealth, health, and living arrangements.

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Chronological Age

Age defined by the number of years since birth; used to establish laws and policies.

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Functional Age

How well an individual performs specific physical, cognitive, or social tasks.

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Legal Age

Rules based on age that assign advantages, benefits, obligations, or restrictions.

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Chronological Age Norms

How most individuals behave or perform a specific task at a certain age.

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Pilot Retirement Age

Mandatory retirement can vary based on the airline company’s home country/region, generally between 60 and 70 years of age.

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Air Canada Retirement

The Canada Human Rights Tribunal made the decision to eliminate a mandatory age of retirement for pilots at age 60 under their collective agreement.

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Influence of Functional Age

This may influence legal age, for example, being able to drive a car after 80 years of age.

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Aging Process

Multi-faceted and diverse process in which individuals at a specific chronological age are either 'older' or 'younger' than age peers in terms of some relevant skill or ability.

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Study Notes

Developments in Social Gerontology (1940-1974)

  • The International Association of Gerontology was founded in Liege, Belgium in 1948.
  • The journal Geriatrics began publication in 1940.
  • The Journal of Gerontology released its first issue in 1945.
  • The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) was established in 1945 to stimulate communication among aging scientists, researchers, teachers, and professionals and to promote scientific aging studies from multiple perspectives.
  • The U.S. Social Sciences Research Council released a report titled Social Adjustment in Old Age by 0. Pollock in 1948, which shifted its focus toward the aging process and led to social gerontology theoretical developments.
  • R. Havinghurst and R. Albrecht published Older People a book in 1953.
  • The Ontario Longitudinal Study on aging was initiated in 1959 under L, Crawford, tracking 2000 men from 1959 to 1978 with a follow-up in 1990.
  • L.D. Cain Jr. edited The Sociology of Aging: A Trend Report and Bibliography in 1959.
  • The Gerontologist launched as the second journal by the Gerontological Society in 1961, concentrating on policy initiatives, applied research, and model programs for professionals dedicated to aiding the elderly.
  • E. Cumming and W. Henry developed disengagement theory in their Growing Old: The Process of Disengagement" in 1961 to account for gratification in one's later years.
  • The first U.S. White House Conference on Aging was held in 1961, and these conferences have occurred every 10 years to consolidate scientists and professionals for guidance to Congress.
  • Volumes from the "Aging in the World" series, which began in 1962, came from the International Association of Gerontology's Fifth Congress (1960) and displayed global interest and interdisciplinary nature, with topics covering social, psychological, biological, medical, and clinical aspects of aging.
  • D. Schonfield wrote an articledtitled “Memory Changes with Age” (1965) which was published in Nature.
  • E. Youmans wrote Older Rural Americans in 1967.
  • E. Shanas et al. wrote Older People in Three Industrial Societies in 1968, which provided a cross comparative study.
  • Volume 1 of Aging and Society: An Inventory of Research Findings, edited by M. Riley and A. Foner, was released in 1968.
  • Adjustment to Retirement: A Cross-National Study by R. Havighurst et al. was published in 1969.
  • Volume 2 of Aging and Society: Aging and the Professions*, edited by M. Riley et al., was released in 1969.
  • E. Palmore published Normal Aging: Reports from the Duke Longitudinal Studies, 1955-69 in 1970 summarizing the first interdisciplinary study on the subject. Topics in the Handbook of Aging are summarised in the handbooks released in 1959-60.
  • In Canada First sociology of aging courses were taught at the Universities of Manitoba, Waterloo, and McMaster by B. Havens, B. McPherson, and V. Marshall, from 1970 - 72.
  • The Social Forces in Later Life: An Introduction to Social Gerontology by R. Atchley, the first undergrad textbook.
  • M. Riley released Volume 3 of Aging and Society, a Sociology of Stratification which presented a model of aging that integrates history to affect cohorts.
  • A Longitudinal Study on Aging was initiated in Manitoba in 1971, where aging individuals were first interviewed and then again later.
  • The Canadian Association on Gerontology was founded in 1971.
  • Aging and Modernization was written by D. Cowgill and L. Holmes, theory.
  • The U.S. National Institute of Aging (NIA) was founded in 1974 to grow the research.

Key Developments in Social Gerontology (1975-1986)

  • From 1976-77 the Handbooks of Aging are released and show state of knowledge through the mid-1970s and touch on social science, psychology of Aging, Finch and Hayflick and more.
  • Butterworths Perspectives in Individual and Population Aging were produced in 1986 (McPherson's editions) and includes Canadas Aging Population. Ends in '92.
  • Some of the significant titles from the late 1970s consist of J. Shultz´s The Economics of Aging(1976), research on Aging (1979) being first published along with Lawton´s environment and Aging (1980).
  • National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) was established in 1980.
  • From the mid 1980's there were Undergraduate programs developed at McMaster University.
  • Gerontology research began in the early 1980's (Mcpherson´s aging as a social process.
  • The journal was founded in 1982 and the Center programs funded from Guelph and Manitoba.

Key Developments in Social Gerontology (1987-2000)

  • The US Bureau reported in 1987 on the census and focused on an Aging World.
  • in 1990 CARNET was established and saw MA/MSC/PhD gerontology studies.
  • A Joint Issue took place in 1993 between the Canadian public policy and Journal of aging regarding Policy and Research.
  • 1st Canadian book focusing on aging populations as the primary means of social-economic change came in ´96.
  • The most notable occurrences in the 90s were study on elder abuse, Study of Health and Aging and connecting gender to later life by Minkler.
  • In 1999 R. Friedland published Demography is NOT destiny which helped to address apocalypse fears.

Modern Innovations in Social Gerontology (2000-2020)

  • Research by CIHR was created to investigate the areas related to issues of health and was published in Canada.
  • 17th World Congress of the International Association of Gerontology was held in 2001.
  • From 00-06 was seen development from Canadian Report on Seniors falls (2005) - Boomarang of family (2006). Highlights of latter parts of the decade were Longitudinal study (2009) society of Canada (2010), the focus of studying Global Aging (2013) and study begins for following up.
  • CLSA began to collect its baseline date in 2012.
  • The world congress took place in 2017 in California USA to study relations.
  • First edition was published by B. McPherson in the "Aging as a Social way" ( 2019) and touches more with the country than beyond.

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Aging as a Social Process PDF - Oxford University Press Canada

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This quiz explores sociological perspectives on aging in Canada, covering topics like diversity, demographic shifts, and the changing status of older people. It also examines the influence of physical and cognitive changes on social relations. Furthermore it touches on the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to studying aging and positive adaptations to age-related changes.

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