Understanding Older Adults and Ageism

Older adults represent 13.1% of the population, and the 'young old' category is defined as ages 65-74.

Ageism is the prejudice or discrimination against older adults, often based on inaccurate stereotypes or beliefs.

Many older adults are active and engaged in their communities, and many continue to work or participate in educational programs.

<p>The Road Scholar program offers education specifically for elders, promoting lifelong learning and active engagement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have experienced changes in fertility rates that impact the aging population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The labor force ratio refers to the ratio of economically productive individuals who are actually working compared to those who are economically unproductive, traditionally defined by age.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Older women are more likely to live alone due to higher rates of widowhood and lower marriage rates as they age.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Older women typically have lower net worth in assets and are more financially dependent, resulting in higher incidences of divorce and lower retirement benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Approximately 3.4% of older adults live in nursing homes, with 75% of the residents being women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Older men tend to marry younger and remarry after divorce or widowhood, while older women are more likely to be widowed and therefore live alone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Walking 2-3 blocks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vaccines and Physical Activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At least 30 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It relates to their reaction time and balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Only 11%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>81% of older adults own their homes, which implies a financial burden from utilities, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The health status of older adults has improved, but chronic diseases can impede activities of daily living (ADL).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Heart disease accounts for about ⅔ of deaths among older adults, making it the leading cause of death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Impairments among older adults may be sensory, physical, or relate to memory, significantly impacting their quality of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Morbidity leads to activity limitations and chronic conditions, imposing health and economic burdens on individuals and families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Older adults should aim to have a reduced sodium intake to maintain healthy blood pressure and overall health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The percentage of older adults who smoke has decreased significantly over the past few decades.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vaccines such as flu, COVID, and pneumonia help to protect older adults, who are more vulnerable due to weakened immune systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the older adult population, 26% are classified as being in the healthy weight range despite issues with obesity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adequate water intake is crucial for older adults as it helps prevent dehydration and supports overall health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Manipulation of their health and scams are common forms of emotional or psychological mistreatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dementia and social isolation significantly increase the vulnerability of older adults to abuse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Social security provides a major source of income, especially for unmarried women and minorities who face higher poverty rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Frailty can limit older adults' ability to engage in daily activities, thus impacting their housing, assisted living, and healthcare needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adult Protective Services are crucial in safeguarding older adults from abuse, particularly in cases involving cognitive impairment or past domestic violence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>81% of individuals aged 65 and over live in metropolitan areas, largely due to a higher concentration of health professionals there.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In 1970, 25% of the population lived in poverty, while today only 9.5% live in poverty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Appropriateness, accessibility, adequacy, affordability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Assisted Living and Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing Facilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The major source of income for the elderly today is Social Security, accounting for 86%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Baby Boomers are the most educated cohort in U.S. history, with a significant increase in educational attainment compared to earlier generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Instrumental tasks, Expressive tasks, Cognitive tasks, Tasks of daily living.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>60% of the elderly live in states like CA, FL, TX, NY, with California and Florida having a notably high proportion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living, while IADL stands for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; ADLs measure basic functional tasks, IADLs measure more complex tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Changing residence can be difficult due to emotional ties to their home and the complexities of transitioning to new living arrangements.</p> Signup and view all the answers