The study if human aging, also recognized as gerontology has been explored on difference axes of research. In the past, the study of aging has been rooted in a biomedical framework, where the ageing process is regarded as a universal developmental course categorized by the decline in physical functioning and mental health (Moody, 1992). Multiple reinterpretations of gerontology in the 1990’s have led to a new conception of the study, one that embodies a critical nature. As such, critical theory was used as a starting point for critical gerontologist to facilitate challenging the nature of scientific data in the study of traditional gerontology. Critical gerontology will play a key role in the proposed analytical literature review, as it will …show more content…
Like critical theorist, critical gerontologists argue that it is not possible to analyze scientific data in a vacuum. Specifically, the results of any analysis should consider the approach, interests, contexts and other subjective aspects of not only the researchers, but also the study settings. Critical gerontologists were interested in redefining concept of the ‘social construction of dependency’, which is rooted in the growing need for governmental assistance amongst the elderly between 1980 to late 1990. In addition, the construction of dependency has also had effect in studies surrounding the age-related milestone, retirement (Baars, 1991). Critical gerontologists also critique the bio-medical model, which is associated with traditional gerontology. Within the bio-medical model, growing older is associated with physical and mental deterioration and illness. Since the focus is placed on individual and medical intervention, the assumption leads to defining and treating old age as a disease (Estes, Biggs, & Phillipson, 2003; Philipson, 1998). Traditional gerontology has also been critiqued for an individualistic focus of health related problems accompanied by the lack of attention of social structures and the economy (Estes, Biggs, & Phillipson, 2003). To this extent critical gerontologists work to …show more content…
Butler (1969) was the first one to use the concept of ageism to refer to the age discrimination within a public hosing policy within the same year it was first introduced. Two forms of ageism have received research attention, discrimination against the young and discrimination against the old. We are concerned with the latter (Goetting, 1985). The concept has come a long way in terms of its usability in various theories, including critical gerontology. Critical approaches to ageism attempt to increase the liberties of older individuals. Specifically, they challenge the limits placed by the social structures, societal perceptions and self-perceptions of ageing (Estes, Biggs, & Phillipson, 2003). Ageism is often linked to the biological and chronological markers embedded in institutions historically, socially and economically (Bytheway & Johnson, 1990). Ageism is often described as rooted at the interpersonal and structural level within social interactions. At a relationship level, younger adults often are left with unease in terms of the lack of person identification with an older individual (Estes, Biggs, & Phillipson, 2003). In addition, the conceptualization of growing older for most young individuals can be considered a burden or an unconscious fear (Bytheway & Johnson,
A new criterion for the ideal person must be made to not include things such as sex, but to judge a person based on his or her capabilities in doing what he or she does. The question remains on the support for equal treatment based on age, which is a very controversial debate, as factors such as higher wage from experience, or even having the contemporary knowledge for a certain job. One thing is for sure though, on a common view that as people reach old age, they become physically weaker, which may cause employers to not want to hire seniors that needs money to get by, which goes to show how there are many seniors out on the streets searching through public garbage cans for recycles in exchange for a meager income - with an out of portion amount of seniors of colour in such a circumstances goes to show an obvious language barrier still prominent throughout society. What amounts to a “fair” and “equal” treatment of the
The average score on the Palamore’s FAQ was 47.68%. According to Allen and Johnson that was an indicator of poor knowledge of aging. The research gives si...
Hiller, S. M., & Barrow, G. M. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Prominent musician, Celine Dion, once said, “There’s no such thing is aging, but maturing and knowledge. It’s beautiful, I call that beauty.” To many, growing old is just a natural, beautiful part of life. It is inevitable. It is inescapable. The functionalist perspective of sociology states that the elderly perform a function in order to keep society running with ease. Functionalists focus on the disengagement theory and how people tend to disengage from society as they approach death. Symbolic interactionists focus on how environmental factors and relationships with others affect the aging experience, focusing on the activity theory and the continuity theory (Carl, 2011, p. 220). Conflict theorists focus on the discrepancies that arise between different age groups. They also focus on the economical side of aging and the issues that may arise due to an active elderly population (Carl, 2011, p. 221).
Hooyman, N., & Kiyak, H. A. (2011). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective (9th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. (Original work published 2005)
In today’s society, what was once said to be true and taken as fact regarding older people is no longer the whole story. As Laslett states, “At all times before the middle of the twentieth century and all over the globe the greater part of human life potential has been wasted, by people dying before their allotted time was up.” (1989a), and to a great extent a lot
Aging and old age for a long time presented as dominated by negative traits and states such as sickness, depression and isolation. The aging process is not simply senescence most people over the age of 65 are not Senile, bedridden, isolated, or suicidal (Aldwin & Levenson, 1994). This change in perspective led the investigation of the other side of the coin. Ageing is seen as health, maturity and personal Royal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generatively, coping and acceptance of age-related constraints (Birren & Fisher, 1995). Psychological und...
Atchley, R. C. (1997). Social forces and aging: An introduction to social gerontology (8th ed.).
Ageing is something that everyone will eventually experience if they are fortunate to live a long life. The process of ageing comes with various negative and positive outlooks. In western culture, ageing for both genders is particularly condemned. In the media in particular, the process of ageing for men and women vary greatly. Where, women are condemned for ageing more than men are. Media greatly highlights on the stereotypical notion of ageing especially in the aspect of portraying men and women and their social roles through advertisement. I will be discussing
The thought of aging is not void of hesitance given it produces questions deprived of answers in the absence of a crystal ball. Subsequently, aging parallels the unknown; thus, faced with uncertainty adopting a positive perspective remains elusive. Although, it’s preferred to view aging optimistically one cannot escape its negative connotations. Will I be an active agent or isolated burden remains a noteworthy unknown that enervates my optimism. Another consideration leading to my vacillating view on aging is, not knowing to what degree personal competencies and capacities will carry forward, thereby affording autonomy in the elder years. However, as research suggest, the aging process transforms healthy adults into frail ones; thus, dashing one’s hope that such traits will endure (Friis, 2010). Incidentally, at age 48, these lingering questions will soon be answered. In the interim, there is an inherent responsibility to prepare physically, psychologically, and financially for entry into the aging population. Ideally, the goal is to
Theories concerned with ageing are constructed in an attempt to objectively satisfy the inquiries that arise after studying ageing and to provide evidence based clarifications. In the context of this essay, they allow troubleshooting regarding issues around the type of support would be expected to be needed by Betty and her son. Bengtson et al, (1999) accepts the potential pragmatism of the theories nevertheless he argues that they can be generalised and unimaginative. The controversy regarding theorising ageing becomes especially relevant when they are applied in isolation failing to address that “the science and positivism are severely limiting… for understanding aspects of ageing.” Bengtson et al (1999)
Active ageing does not stop when elderly people retire, as they can remain active through their families, peers and communities. Active ageing aims to allow elderly people to realise and bring awareness to their own psychological, physical and mental well-being. As the goal of active ageing is the autonomy and independence of elderly people (Alexandre, Cordeiro, & Ramos, 2009). Ageing is a continuing life cycle, it is an ongoing developmental event that brings about certain changes in one’s own psychological and physical state. It is a time in one's own life where an elderly individual reminisces and reflects, basks and lives on previous accomplishments and begins to finish his life cycle.
Aging and being old was dominated by negative characteristics and conditions such as illness, depression, and isolation for a long time (Eibach, Mock, & Courtney, 2010). At first glance the terms “success” and “aging” seem to be in conflict to each other. When asking people about aging, their answers have many facets that are also found in psychological definitions: successful aging is seen as health, maturity and personal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generativity, coping, and acceptance of age-related limitations. In the psychological sense successful aging is also often seen as the absence of age-associated characteristics (Strawbridge, Wallhagen, & Cohen, 2002). It seems that successful aging means is not aging.
Aged care is becoming such a huge part of our health system and society in general. It is so important that we come to an understanding on not only how it affects the community and society that we live in but the requirements that need to be met in order to care for older adults. Throughout this paper, we will discuss active ageing and the cultural, physical, economic and social well-being of older adults, as well as the affect that community as on the older population and visa-vasa. Accompanying this essay is a flyer that well be used to define active ageing, why it is important to individuals and the community. It is important to understand what active ageing is and that health is measured by more than just physical
The relation between culture and age has often been the subject of discourse in recent gerontological studies. It is argued that there is an inherent relation between the two. The difference marked by age or our perception of old age, in particular, is a cultural and social construction. Consequently, the meanings and value assigned to old age are also socially constructed. This in turn leads to a reshaping of identity or what Holstein and Gubrium term as ‘self-construction’(Randall and McKim 235). However, what we need to consider is whether it is only this construct that is solely responsible for determining our response to aging. Does our environment have complete agency in shaping our attitude or is it also dependent on how we, as