Understanding Ageism and Elder Demographics

Ageism

• Ageism is the assumption that traits of older individuals are due to age, not other factors.
• It involves labelling and discrimination against older people.
• Many people consider themselves middle-aged until becoming ill or dependent.

Demographics of Elders

• The older population is rapidly growing due to factors such as increased life expectancy resulting from better healthcare and the aging of the baby boomer generation.
• The number of people aged 65+ increased from roughly 1/8 of the population in 2009 to 1/5 in 2030.
• Elder demographics are heterogeneous, encompassing a broad range of health statuses and socioeconomic situations.
• A significant proportion of elders own their homes and live in metropolitan areas.

Life Expectancy and Longevity

• Life expectancy in the US has increased from 77.6 years in 2003 to 79 years in 2022.
• Gender is the largest factor influencing life expectancy, with females typically living longer than males.
• Ethnicity and race, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle choices also influence life expectancy.
• Longevity is the theoretical upper limit of lifespan, estimated at 115-120 years.
• Life expectancy is measured in years an individual can expect to live.

Health Factors

• Many elders have at least one chronic condition.
• Foreign-born individuals often face challenges such as language barriers and lower socioeconomic status, making healthcare access more difficult.
• Minority elder groups (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian) often experience higher poverty levels and racial discrimination affecting their health outcomes.
• African-American elders often face healthcare disparities, including historical barriers to accessing care and mistrust of the healthcare system.
• Hispanic elders often have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and have lower levels of education.
• Smoking is a major cause of preventable death; ceasing this habit significantly increases life expectancy in older adults.
• Obesity, shorter stature, and certain genetic conditions, increase the likelihood of death and disability.
• Physical activity is significantly associated with low mortality rates.
• Alcohol consumption (more than 3 drinks per day) is inversely correlated with longevity.
• Marital status positively correlates with increased longevity.
• Higher education and socioeconomic status are often linked to greater longevity.

Income and Resources

• Social Security, a federal program established in 1935, along with personal assets, pensions, and retirement accounts, are common sources of income for elders.
• Social Security benefits vary by gender and are not consistently sufficient to eliminate the risk of poverty among older individuals.
• The Supplemental Security Income (SSI), established in 1974, provides financial support for certain elders, blind, and disabled individuals.

Housing and Living Arrangements

• Most elders own their homes.
• A large proportion live in family settings with other people, with only a relatively small segment residing in nursing homes.

The Older Americans Act (OAA)

• The OAA (1965), signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, aims to improve the dignity of older adults and provide social and nutrition services.
• It led to a federal initiative to address the needs and situations of older citizens.

Education and Educational Attainment

• Elders have, on average, completed fewer years of formal education than younger adults-- although baby boomers are the most educated group in history.
• Educational attainment differs significantly across racial and ethnic groups.
• Many elders are lifelong learners.

Biological Theories of Aging

• Two competing theories of aging explain the processes:
  • Random Theory (errors/damage accumulates over time)
  • Programmed Theory (genetic factors determine aging).

Important Considerations:

• Higher levels of marriage are linked to a higher life expectancy.
• A positive mental attitude is correlated with longer life, along with healthier lifestyle choices.