Growing Old in a New Age Growing Old in a New Age
Course Themes
Life Span Development
In the past, the word "development" referred to the growth processes in children and the word "aging" referred to the decline of older adults. Now, it is known that both processes happen simultaneously. Both start at birth and continue through childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age. In this view, aging itself is neither favorable or unfavorable. Instead, it is a process that continues throughout life. While experiencing growth and development, aging individuals also remain in some ways the same. Thus, stability and change are both part of life span development.
Person-Environment Interaction
The aging person is a biological, psychological, and social being who constantly interacts with the biological, psychological., and social environment. Older people both affect and are affected by their environment. By modifying the environment, older adults can help compensate for personal changes and make the environment better "fit" their needs. This view of aging indicates that adaptation is a complex, interactive process between the older adult and his or her environment.
Optimal Quality of Life
Quality of life in old age is rooted in the earlier years, when health habits are developed. Early attention to diet, stress-control, preventive health care, social supports, and activity patterns result in better functional ability and greater well-being in old age. Restorative programs, including rehabilitation after illness, can help adults regain function and result in improved quality of life in old age. A safe and supportive environment contributes to optimal quality of life for older adults.
Cross-Cultural Considerations
Similarities and differences exist among societies and among ethnic groups within societies. For example, societies differ in the ways in which old age is defined. Yet the rights and responsibilities of older adults across societies often are based similarly on productivity, control of resources, and possession of vital knowledge. Modernization, declining resources, and changing values can alter the position of older adults within a particular culture. The study of different cultures and ethnic groups provides an understanding of the universal and unique cultural forces that affect aging. Cultures have much to learn from each other as they cope with the changing age structure of society now taking place.
How Aging is Studied
Knowledge of aging is obtained in various ways. Animal and human studies both provide clues about age-related changes. Subjects are studied at several points in time to discover what changes occur with age (longitudinal studies). Other research provides a "snap-shot" of differences between age groups at one point in time (cross-sectional studies). Sequential designs combine the cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to better clarify aging-related phenomena. When we know very little about an area of interest, we may use participant observation or focus groups prior to survey research. Each type of inquiry has its strengths and weaknesses Therefore, research methodology must be considered when judging the certainty of knowledge in gerontology.
Access to Resources in a New Age
Urbanization, industrialization, and new technologies in communication, education, and health care have radically altered the world in which we live. In addition, the structure of populations is changing as birth rates drop. Infant mortality declines, migration occurs, and more people survive into adulthood and old age. These shifts have significant implications for the world’s future. The increasing proportion of older adults raises interesting questions about the allocation of resources, artificial prolongation of life, creative new roles for elders, intergenerational alliances, retirement age, caregiving patterns, and so forth.
Telecourse Team
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