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Age and Disability. What effect is the aging of the population having on society?. Age. Different societies place different values on age. Traditionally, older members of society were viewed as sources of knowledge and enforces of social customs.
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Age and Disability What effect is the aging of the population having on society?
Age • Different societies place different values on age. • Traditionally, older members of society were viewed as sources of knowledge and enforces of social customs. • Now, in industrial societies, employment is one of the major indicators of social status, and it is becoming more difficult for the elderly to remain employed.
Ageism • Definition: the belief that one age category is by nature superior to another age category. • What stereotypes come to mind when you think of old people?
Ageism & Media • In American society, the media reinforces ageism. • What kind of commercials include the elderly?
The World is Aging • Today, there are approximately 606 million people aged 65 and older! • Within 6 years, there will be more old people in the world than children under the age of 5. • There will be over 1 billion people over the age of 65 by 2040. • Why is this happening?
Age around the world Africa Europe The world’s oldest region, average age: 38. Why do you think there is such a lack of young people in Europe? • The world’s youngest region, with an average age of 18.4. • Why do you think people are so young in Africa?
Age in America • Currently, about 13% of the population (2010 census). • By 2025, it will be 19% and by 2050, one in every 5 Americans will be elderly. • Sociologists call this the “the graying of America.”
The Graying of America • Why do you think this is happening? • 1. Advances in health care and better living conditions have helped people survive into old-age. • 2. Variations in birthrates have changed the age structure in the U.S. • Ex: birthrates rose sharply in 1946, why?
Baby Boomers • Approximately 76 million people were born in the U.S. between 1946 and 1960. • Since 1960, there has been a steady decline in birthrate in the U.S. • This is the largest segment of the American population. • Today, baby boomers are between the ages of 52 and 76.
Aging and Politics • Today, the elderly represent an organized voting bloc. • Represented by special interest groups such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). • The AARP was 34 million members and is the largest special-interest group in the U.S. • AARP providers elders with financial advice, health insurance plans, and travel and prescription drug discounts.
Social Security concerns • Some fear that social security is not up to the task of caring for future generations of elderly people. • It is funded by payroll or income taxes. • Current retirees are paid by this.
Old-Old • The old-old are those aged 85 and up. • In 2010, there were nearly 5.8 million—about 15% of the elderly population. How come this age group is continuing to grow? • Increasing life expectancy!!!
Problems caused by the old-old • The number of people receiving Social Security is increasing, but so is the length of time people receive those benefits.
Problems cont’d • Because the old-old are most likely to be in the poorest health, they place an added strain on government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. • There is a lot of debate as to the future of Social Security. • Will there be enough for you when you are old? • What can we do to make sure there is enough for everyone? • Raise the retirement age? • Cut benefits? • Increase payroll taxes (the $ that we are taxed to pay for Social Security)?
