Chapter 17 is all about the family in later life. The book notes that aging changes not only the individual but also that individual’s family and friends. The book discusses that the older population is growing and the younger population is shrinking. The book defines a gerontologist as a scientist who studies the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. The book goes on to explain that the elderly are characterized into three groups. These are young-old (65-74), old-old (75-84) and oldest-old (85 and older). The old-age dependency ratio is the number of people aged 65 or old who are not in the labor force per 100 people ages 20-64 who are employed. The book estimates that by 2030, the old-age dependency ratio will be 36. This is a staggering statistic. The book notes that women live longer than men and that the older population is more racially and ethnically diverse than ever before. There are changes that occur in one’s health as one ages. These changes can be physical and mental. The chapter also discusses ageism, which is the discrimination against people based on their age. Some of the stereotypes associated with old age include having outdated interests, or that all old people are mean. The book discusses retirement, which is becoming harder and harder for people to achieve and older people are working longer. Nevertheless, the book also notes that many older people struggle to find work. The book notes when discussing retirement income that women have a lower median income than men, African Americans and Latinos have a lower median income than whites and Asians, and married couples have higher median incomes. The book goes on to talk about grandparenting. According to the chapter there are four grandparenting styles. These include remote or detached, companionate and supportive, involved and influential, and advisory and authoritative. The book points out that sometimes grandparents act as surrogate parents. These can include custodial grandparents who have legal custody over their grandchildren, living with grandparents, and day-care grandparents. The book goes on to discuss the changing relationships between parents and adult children and aging siblings. Another concept discussed is that of dying, death, and bereavement which are all concepts inevitable to aging. The book defines hospice as a place for the care of a terminally ill patient. Bereavement is the process of recovery after the death of someone we felt close to. The book then discusses care giving to the elderly and talks about some satisfactions and strains that are associated.
New Interesting
I thought reading about the different types of grandparenting styles was interesting. I had heard of parenting styles before but I had never heard of grandparenting styles. It was interesting to see where my relationships with my grandparents fit in.
Discussion
Do you think that the fact that retirement is becoming harder and harder for people to achieve is something that needs to be addressed?
-Ali Mosser
I believe that this issue needs to be addressed. It is kinda of ridiculous that when a person has medical issues that they are still expected to provide for themselves and others when they can barely function by themselves. I feel that when you have reached a certain age that you should just be able to relax and not have to worry about bills and finances.
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