Sociology of Aging Midterm Review

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the important issues older adults believe needs improvement?

Access to recreational facilities

Social media training

Availability of public transportation

Income security measures (correct)

What do older adults want in relation to where they live?

To age in a community that is close to family

To live in assisted living facilities

To age in a place of their choosing (correct)

To relocate frequently for better weather

What is a common perception of community by older adults?

A diversion from their daily lives

A necessary burden

An asset to support their aging

A challenge rather than an asset (correct)

How can ageism be countered according to older adults?

By supporting politicians who favor seniors Signup and view all the answers

What must be made to improve healthcare for older adults?

Key healthcare improvements Signup and view all the answers

What is often considered a priority to prevent poverty among older adults?

Enhancing caregiver support Signup and view all the answers

What is true about biological aging according to older adults?

It is universally experienced but varies among people Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected way to promote positive aging?

Encouraging community engagement and activity Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate life expectancy in the late 1800s?

60 years Signup and view all the answers

How much is the life expectancy expected to increase in the present compared to the late 1800s?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that distinguishes different generations?

Age Signup and view all the answers

What age is the retirement age expected to be in the next few years?

67 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's population is currently 65 years or older?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected increase percentage of the elderly population by 2025?

17% Signup and view all the answers

How many Canadians are currently 65 years or older?

7 million Signup and view all the answers

What is a centenarian?

A person aged 100 years Signup and view all the answers

How has the population of centenarians changed since 2000?

Tripled Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the aging population?

They are a burden to society Signup and view all the answers

What impact does an increasing median age have on workforce productivity?

Results in smaller workforce and slower productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the average median age in Canada?

41 years Signup and view all the answers

Which generation is known for experiencing a swell in population during the Baby Boom?

Baby Boomers Signup and view all the answers

What is declining fertility often linked to?

More women entering the workforce Signup and view all the answers

What does demography study primarily focus on?

How populations change over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the current retirement age mentioned in the content?

65 Signup and view all the answers

What is a major cause of death prior to the industrial revolution?

Acute infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of epidemiology as described?

To study disease transmission and illness patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not a demographic transition mentioned?

Population aging Signup and view all the answers

Why do businesses in the private sector use demographic data?

To shape their investments and products Signup and view all the answers

What type of diseases have become leading causes of death today?

Chronic degenerative diseases Signup and view all the answers

How does demography consider levels of population change?

Considering fertility, mortality, and migration Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of gathering insights about citizens?

Using demographic data Signup and view all the answers

What can change in the population prompt the government to adjust?

Services and supports Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'population implosion'?

Decrease in population size Signup and view all the answers

What does an epidemiological study primarily focus on?

Patterns of health-related issues Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does demography investigate?

Connections between fertility, mortality, and migration Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of population statistics can guide businesses?

Demographic patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected age range for retirement?

60's-70's Signup and view all the answers

What key factor has contributed to older adults living longer?

Decreased mortality rates Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group is referred to as the Baby Boom?

Anyone born between 1946 and 1965 Signup and view all the answers

What does the Life Course Perspective emphasize?

The significance of early life experiences on aging Signup and view all the answers

What is the fixed maximum age for a species referred to as?

Lifespan Signup and view all the answers

Chronological aging can be defined as which of the following?

The number of years since birth Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT a component of aging?

Emotional Signup and view all the answers

How do social stereotypes contribute to age discrimination?

They exaggerate negative attributes associated with aging Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ageism discriminates against older adults through societal systems?

Systemic Ageism Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant trend observed in fertility rates in Canada?

They are below the replacement rate Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does 'Agency' refer to in the context of aging?

The ability of individuals to make decisions affecting their lives Signup and view all the answers

What are fundamental factors that influence aging as per gerontological studies?

Biological, psychological, and social factors Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the aging population in society?

Decreased mortality and fertility rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Gerontology?

It disregards interdisciplinary approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What does intersectionality refer to in the context of societal inequalities?

Interactions among systems of inequality and power Signup and view all the answers

How are cultural factors significant in a society's treatment of older adults?

They create norms and expectations around aging Signup and view all the answers

Which historical period is characterized by the loss of status for older adults due to modernization?

Post-Industrial Societies Signup and view all the answers

What is one major difference between literate and pre-literate societies regarding knowledge transmission?

Literate societies implement education systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a subculture in the context of societal impact?

It experiences marginalization and discrimination Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured when designing healthcare programs for an aging population?

Programs should be equitable for all citizens regardless of background Signup and view all the answers

In which society were older adults considered valuable sources of knowledge?

Hunter-gatherer societies Signup and view all the answers

How does culture influence the status of older adults?

Through internalized stereotypes about aging Signup and view all the answers

What role does census data play in understanding population needs?

It informs governments about characteristics and issues of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding older adults and healthcare needs?

Older adults need more healthcare than middle-aged adults Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial for developing policies aimed at older populations?

Understanding the complexities of aging across cultures Signup and view all the answers

What might be an effect of colonialism on indigenous populations regarding aging?

Reconciliation efforts recognize the experiences of indigenous elders Signup and view all the answers

Which research method focuses on understanding social phenomena at the individual level?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

What defines 'culture' in the context of shared meanings?

Shared values, beliefs, norms, customs, and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design collects data over time from the same subjects?

Panel design Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an effect related to aging processes?

Nutritional effects Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of aging do qualitative research methods often struggle with?

Analyzing individual experiences accurately Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers avoid making generalizations about?

Aging experiences in older adults Signup and view all the answers

Which factors can influence the decline experienced during aging?

Cellular regeneration and lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly associated with cognitive decline in older adults?

Slow and steady memory loss Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intelligence is characterized by knowledge accumulation and likely to increase with age?

Crystallized intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?

Toileting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be compensated for using corrective devices?

Sensory loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for reported difficulty performing daily life activities?

Disability Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change is often linked to aging?

Decrease in muscle tone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a challenge when conducting cross-sectional research?

It does not allow differentiation between age, cohort, and period effects. Signup and view all the answers

Why might older adults experience increased hearing loss?

Increased exposure to loud sounds in youth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Midterm Review

Older adults are people 65+
Retirement age is in the 60s-70s
Aging interacts differently with social institutions
Lifespan is now estimated at 120 years, with increased life expectancy
Life expectancy varies based on gender, location, education, and experiences
Jeanne Calment is the oldest person ever confirmed
Population aging due to decreased mortality and fertility rates
Improvements in medicine and sanitation led to higher life expectancy
Fertility rates are below replacement rate in some areas
Population growth from newcomers
Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1965.
Factors influencing aging include biology, psychology, genetics, and society
Understanding age-related transitions from birth to death
Covid-19 influenced societal transitions
Individuals construct a life course by making choices

Agency

Personality and lifestyles shape social life and affect aging
Key components of aging: chronological, biological, psychological, and social
Chronological, defining legal age
Biological changes in muscles, bones, cardiovascular, and sensory systems
Psychological changes in learning, memory, and creativity
Social factors, changes in social roles and relationships
Age is a sign of high status in some cultures
Age is a sign of decline in other cultures
Age related stereotypes contribute to discrimination

Life experiences and opportunities are shaped by social structures
Aspects like gender, race, and socioeconomic status
How childhood shapes an older person's life is studied via micro analysis
Macro analysis examines the impacts of historical events on generations

Aging Issues

Aging is not an illness, but a natural process, and not a state requiring medical intervention
Older adults want to be recognized as active, valuable members in their communities
Issues like income security and caregiver support need improvement in society and policies
Ageism, discrimination against older people, is a problem in various aspects of society
Policies and programs must reflect older people's needs
Aging is not universally bad, people may have significant positive experiences in later life as well.

Epidemiology

Study of how diseases spread, who gets them, and why
Identify ways to prevent and control diseases as they relate to age groups, such as heart disease, cancer etc.
Life expectancy has increased by around 60% from 1800s to now.
Generations share experiences and characteristics, sometimes impacting their perceptions of what is 'old' or 'normal'.

Theories

Theories provide perspectives to understand social phenomena
Theoretical perspectives, like structural functionalism, interpretive, conflict, and contemporary help us understand aging from different lenses
Social exchange, postmodern, & social constructionism are other theories addressing aspects of aging
Deconstructionism is useful in analyzing how age biases have been influenced.

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Description

This quiz reviews essential concepts related to aging, including the definitions of older adults, factors influencing life expectancy, and the impact of social institutions on aging. It explores the complexities of population aging, the relevance of the baby boomer generation, and how individual choices construct life courses. Perfect for testing your understanding of the sociology of aging.