Aging
Since 1900, U.S. life expectancy has increased by roughly how many years?
30 yrs
According to symbolic interactionism, what are ‘young’ and ‘old’ considered to be?
Social Constructs
Which three sociologists are most closely associated with the functionalist perspective on aging?
Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Herbert Spencer
Conflict theory sees aging as a struggle between different age groups for what?
limited social and economic resources
This country has the world’s highest percentage of people over age 65.
Japan
What percentage of Americans were older than 65 in 1900 compared to today?
4% in 1900 and 15% today
Name one example of an age-related symbol.
physical appearance, behavior, or social roles
What theory suggests society stabilizes by having older generations retire so younger people can fill their positions?
Disengagement Theory
What social program in the U.S. emerged from pressure during the Great Depression?
Social Security
This famous actor became the oldest person ever nominated for an Oscar at age 87 in 2014.
Christopher Plummer?
Name one serious but often overlooked problem facing older adults in the U.S.
social isolation
How did early U.S. society often perceive old age?
An achievement, with elders respected as storehouses of knowledge
Which functionalist theory focuses on the satisfaction of older adults being based on the amount and quality of activities they do?
Activity Theory
What is a common form of workplace discrimination discussed in conflict theory regarding aging?
Companies preferring to hire younger, cheaper employees over older, experienced workers
The “Blue Zones” are five regions in the world where people consistently live past 100. Name one.
Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Icaria (Greece), or Loma Linda (California)
Which country increased coverage for the aging population by creating more long-term retirement homes and in-home care, with about 30% of its population considered elderly?
Japan
What effect has modern media had on perceptions of older people?
Changed perceptions and introduced new stereotypes
What is the term for groups of people born in the same period who share major life experiences?
age cohorts
What does conflict theory warn may divide the working class when discussing benefits for the elderly?
framing it as a conflict between children and the elderly
This fruit is associated with long life in Chinese culture and is often given to elders on birthdays.
Peach
According to 2024 data, about how much did the U.S. spend on Social Security?
$1.5 trillion
What term describes the trend where old age is becoming more trivial and seen as a liability in the U.S.?
Graying of America
What is one criticism of functionalism’s approach to social change?
struggles to explain rapid or revolutionary change
In many industries, what was the practice of requiring older employees to stop working, regardless of their ability, called?
What is mandatory retirement?
The study of aging and older adults is known by this scientific term.
gerontology