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

Prejudice or discrimination against older adults

Individuals aged 65-74

Individuals aged 75-84

Individuals aged 85+

Majority of older adults are healthy and involved in society

Percentage of people in the labor force (i.e., actively working).

Comparison of economically unproductive people (e.g., children, elderly) to productive workers.

Marriage patterns change with age, with women more likely to be widowed than men.

Living arrangements are affected by socioeconomic factors like income, health, and caregiving availability.

Older women often face higher financial dependency compared to men due to factors like lower net worth in assets and potential for divorce.

60% of older adults live in 13 states: CA, FL, TX, NY, PA, OH, IL, MI, NC, NJ, GA, VA, AZ.

California and Florida have a high proportion of older adults due to factors like climate and retirement destinations.

81% of older adults live in metropolitan areas, likely due to access to health professionals and services.

Poverty rates for seniors have significantly decreased since 1970, from 25% to 9.5%.

Social Security is the primary income source for older adults, followed by asset income and private pensions.

A majority (81%) of older adults own their homes, while 19% rent. This is important because owning a home can provide financial stability and a sense of security.

Many older adults live in homes that are older, have lower values, and often require significant repairs. This can lead to financial burdens and safety concerns.

Over time, the overall health status of older adults has been improving. This is good news, but challenges remain.

Despite improved health, chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems are common among older adults. These illnesses can impact daily life and independence.

Sensory, physical, and memory impairments are prevalent in older adults. These can significantly affect their ability to do everyday tasks and participate in activities.

Older adults who can walk 2-3 blocks without stopping have greater independence in their daily lives.

The ability to stoop or kneel allows older adults to access household appliances and maintain their homes independently.

Lifting 10 pounds, like groceries, tests an older adult's reaction time, balance, and overall strength.

Prolonged sitting can impact blood flow, mobility, and overall function in older adults.

The ability to walk up 10 steps without stopping is important for emergency situations and daily life.

Older adults should reduce their sodium intake due to potential health issues like high blood pressure.

As people age, their caloric needs generally decrease due to slower metabolism and reduced activity levels.

Older adults who are former smokers are at a higher risk for health problems, even though they no longer smoke.

Older adults have weakened immune systems, so getting vaccinated against flu, COVID, and pneumonia is crucial.

Older adults from certain racial groups may have lower vaccination rates, highlighting health inequities.

Elder abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Examples include manipulation of health decisions, financial scams, and physical aggression.

A specialized service that helps protect vulnerable adults, particularly older adults, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Essential resources that older adults require to maintain a good quality of life, including income, housing, assisted living, and nursing homes.

Income for older adults can come from various sources such as Social Security, pensions, savings, and investments. It's crucial for seniors to have adequate financial resources.

Older adults have specific housing needs, including appropriateness, accessibility, adequacy, and affordability. Changing residences can be challenging, and many factors must be considered.

A housing option where seniors live independently in their own homes or apartments, often with access to amenities and social activities. No medical care is provided.

A housing option for seniors who require some assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, or medication reminders. They typically reside in apartments within the community.

Gated communities specifically designed for retirees, offering a range of amenities, social activities, and sometimes health services.

Activities that are more complex than basic tasks, requiring cognitive skills. They include managing finances, transportation, housekeeping, and preparing meals.