Who Are the Elderly? Aging in Society

Aging and the Elderly SOCI 1306 Who Are the Elderly? Aging in Society Consider the American films and TV series you have lately viewed. Did any of them have actors or actresses in their later years? What functions did they fulfil? What role did these elderly performers play? Were they chosen to be the protagonists of a romance? Did they appear completely competent, secure, successful, and content? Or did they pose a threat to people in their vicinity? Were they ill-tempered or too dogmatic? Negative societal views on ageing are reflected in many media portrayals of the elderly. American society has a propensity to romanticise youth and equate it with sexuality and attractiveness. The elderly are frequently portrayed in comedy as grumpy or hostile. The richness of life experienced by seniors—as workers, lovers, or the multitude of roles they play in real life—is rarely shown in plays starring older people. Which values is this indicative of? The fact that most individuals don't fully comprehend the ageing process until they are elderly themselves is one barrier to society's increased awareness of ageing. We all have an understanding of childhood, which contrasts sharply with this lack of comprehension. Furthermore, it gives rise to misconceptions, presumptions, and prejudices regarding the ageing process and senior citizens, as is frequently the case with ignorance or lack of understanding. Age stereotypes are often accepted without examination, despite the fact that preconceptions related to race and gender may encourage greater critical thinking and sensitivity (Levy 2002). Think about this: You've probably had the chance—or maybe been forced—to attend workshops at your job or school on topics like sexual harassment, cultural sensitivity, and racial fairness. However, despite the fact that older people are all around us and becoming older every day, relatively few institutions hold discussions or workshops of this kind. Age-related expectations and presumptions vary throughout cultures, and they are all a product of human socialisation. While becoming an adult and reaching significant life milestones like a Quinceañera, Bar Mitzvah, or First Communion are occasions to celebrate, natural ageing can be a source of humiliation or shame. Some refuse aid when they need it, refusing to accept that they are becoming older. This might result in bodily harm or make it difficult to get information or supplies they need. For instance, U.S. seniors without support from friends and family fell behind in getting the COVID-19 vaccination when it was first made available. This happened even though seniors were already known to be the highest risk group and to be most likely to become ill or die if they contracted the virus (Graham 2021). It's possible that the elderly individuals who were reluctant to ask for assistance waited too long, and that their neighbours or other community members were unaware that they needed assistance. How come they would take this chance? Researchers want to know what drives people and what obstacles they face that might lead to these situations and behaviours. The scientific discipline of gerontology aims to comprehend the ageing process and the difficulties faced by elderly individuals. Gerontologists study ageing, the elderly, and age itself. Gerontologists research the effects of ageing on society's members as well as what it's like to be an older adult in it. Gerontology is an interdisciplinary discipline that encompasses the study of social scientists, medical and biological scientists, and even financial and economic researchers. A subspecialty of gerontology known as "social gerontology" studies the sociological and social dimensions of ageing. Scholars concentrate on gaining a comprehensive grasp of the experiences of individuals at particular ages, including mental and physical health as well as age-specific issues like the dying process. In addition to providing services for older individuals, social gerontologists often do social research and serve as counsellors and community organisers. Social gerontologists in a great position to advocate for older persons because of their specialisation. Researchers in these fields have discovered that "ageing" is a reflection of our attitudes and ideas around ageing as well as the physiological process of becoming older. It's possible that you've come across internet calculators that claim to be able to calculate your "real age" rather than your actual age. These advertisements aim to dispel the myth that some individuals "feel" older than they actually are. While some people feel sprightly at eighty, others feel feeble and ancient at sixty. It's also interesting to note that as individuals age, they describe "old age" as being older than they are now (Logan 1992). Many individuals believe that old age is a period that will never come and wish to put it off. For instance, owing to financial strains or a desire to continue being helpful in their views, many elderly Americans continue to work much past what is generally considered retirement age. In fact, some elderly people give in to age group stereotypes (Rothbaum 1983). Over the past century, there has been a significant shift in the American experience of being elderly. Many American homes in the late 1800s and early 1900s housed multigenerational families, and the knowledge and experience of the elderly was valued. They frequently assisted in raising their grandkids and provided guidance and support to their offspring (Sweetser 1984). After World War II, the number of multigenerational American households started to fall. It peaked about 1980, but since then, their numbers have steadily increased. 49 million Americans lived in family households with at least two adult generations—or a grandparent and at least one other generation—according to a 2010 Pew Research Centre examination of census data. By 2016, 64 million individuals, or around 20 percent of the population, were living in multigenerational families (Cohn 2018). Over the last 100 years, significant cultural developments have also had an impact on attitudes towards the elderly. The authority, influence, and prestige that the elderly historically enjoyed have significantly decreased, according to researchers, as a result of industrialization and modernization. However, the sheer quantity of old people in some countries might have unintended consequences as well, such as the influence of old people's votes on politics and policy. These quick societal changes have been advantageous to the elderly as well as detrimental. A robust economy in contemporary countries has propelled many individuals to unprecedented heights of riches. The elderly can now live longer because to advancements in medicine and increased access to healthcare. But compared to earlier times, older individuals are no longer as vital to the financial survival of their families and communities.