Aging, Health, and Medicine

Shutterstock image of an elderly people illustration

1. 

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_social-problems-continuity-and-change/s09-00-aging-and-ageism.html

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_social-problems-continuity-and-change/s16-00-health-and-health-care.html

In this module, "Aging, Health, and Medicine" and "Health and Healthcare", we read about the effects and terminology of aging and health. By studying and getting to know about aging, we learn about some of the struggles the elderly face now and the future. "Gerontology is the study of aging." There are three different parts of studying aging: biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging. Gerontologists typically focus on the social aspect, which refers to how their roles and relationships change as they age.

The life expectancy of individuals are higher, but still vary around the world. Since there are more people living longer, the elderly population continues to grow. This rise of older Americans brings more stress to the economy and medical programs, which affects how people see aging individuals. Some of the difficulties the elderly face are poor health (physically and mentally), financial stability, re-entering/continuing employment, and elder abuse.

The health of individuals and the access to care are influenced by our social backgrounds. For example, a poor person would have less health versus a non-poor individual. The three sociological perspectives on health are categorized as functional, conflict, and interactionist theory. The functionalist perspective see's the importance of health and the roles of sick individuals for a stable society. The conflict perspective focuses on the inequality and quality of healthcare. The interactionist view which states, "health and illness are social constructions subject to people's and society's interpretations."

2. Sociological perspective of aging

Disengagement Theory: Older people should move on in their lives to a position that suits them so the younger generation can take on the important roles.

Activity Theory: Activity and positive outlook on aging will benefit the elderly and society.

Conflict Theory: Old people face inequality.

3. "About Productive Aging and Work" 

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/aging/about/

The main idea of this article is that all workers experience aging, there is a large proportion of older workers, and "age-friendly" workplace is beneficial for all. CDC stated in the article, "According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 nearly one in four American workers was age 55 or older." Arthritis and hypertension are the most common conditions in workers. By providing a safe work place for workers of all ages, it reduces the chance injuries, absentees, lower cost of healthcare, and increased productivity.

4. Aging Matters in Brevard

https://agingmattersbrevard.org/
Phone #: (321)-639-8770 

Fax #: (321)-636-8446

Aging Matters in Brevard is a not-for-profit organization that aims to support the elder citizens of Brevard through home delivered meals, caregiver resources center, transportation, and senior assistance program. They are located on 3600 W King Street Cocoa, FL 32926 and can be contacted via email and by phone.