Aging As A Discipline And Its Evolution ✓ Solved

Aging as a Discipline and Its Evolution

Students will need to read the Smith (2014) article in the Handbook on Aging (Harris, 2018) and the article by Calasanti & Slevin (2006). Additionally, students will need to take the Living-to-100 Simulation Test in order to successfully complete this assignment. The total pages for this assignment should be at least 6 pages and these 6 pages do not include the pages of the Living to 100 Calculator Output Report, the Cover page, or the Reference page. Please include a minimum of (4) four references and one must be your textbook and two must be from the Handbook on Aging. For Part 1, students must address the below question(s)/prompt(s) following your reading from the Handbook on Aging (Harris, 2018) article by Smith (2014) and the article by Calasanti & Slevin (2006).

Part 1: Review of Smith (2014) and Calasanti & Slevin (2006)

Understanding Aging and Gerontology

Gerontology, the study of aging, encompasses not only the biological aspects of aging but also the psychological and social implications of aging across the lifespan. According to Smith (2014), the discipline of gerontology has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-20th century. Initially focused primarily on the biological and medical aspects of aging, gerontology has developed into a multidisciplinary field incorporating sociology, psychology, and health sciences.

Key milestones in the development of gerontology include the establishment of the National Institute on Aging in 1974, which highlighted the growing recognition of aging as a vital area for research and social policy. The formation of sociological perspectives on aging further contributed to the discourse, emphasizing the impact of societal structures on the aging experience (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). Efforts to understand the demographic shifts and the increasing population of older adults have further propelled research in this area, leading to policies aimed at addressing their specific needs.

The Evolution of Aging as a Field of Study

As highlighted by Smith (2014), important theoretical frameworks have emerged, such as activity theory, disengagement theory, and continuity theory, each offering unique insights into the aging process. Activity theory, for instance, posits that staying active and engaged leads to greater life satisfaction for older adults. Disengagement theory, on the other hand, suggests that a gradual withdrawal from social roles is a natural part of aging. Each framework has contributed to understanding how older adults can maintain well-being.

Furthermore, the advancement of technology has influenced gerontology, facilitating research and the development of interventions that enhance the quality of life for seniors. For example, telemedicine and mobile health applications have provided new avenues for healthcare delivery, breaking down barriers to access and improving overall health outcomes for the elderly (Smith, 2014).

The Feminist Perspective on Aging

Calasanti and Slevin (2006) emphasize the importance of a feminist perspective in understanding aging, highlighting how traditional gerontological research often overlooks the intersection of age and gender in shaping experiences of aging. Women, who often live longer than men, frequently face specific challenges such as economic inequality and health disparities. The feminist perspective argues for a more nuanced understanding of how age relations contribute to systemic inequalities, urging the need to incorporate gender analysis in aging research.

Impact of Age Relations and Bias

Age relations manifest in various dimensions of life, affecting power dynamics, workplace experiences, financial stability, and cultural perceptions. The loss of power is particularly pronounced in older adults, who may find themselves marginalized in social and political spheres. In workplaces, age discrimination can lead to challenges for older workers, who may be forced into early retirement or excluded from opportunities for advancement.

Financially, age bias exacerbates wealth inequality. Older adults, especially women who have typically earned less throughout their careers, often find themselves in precarious financial situations during retirement (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). Culturally, older individuals are frequently devalued, seen as less capable or relevant in a society that prioritizes youthfulness. Such cultural devaluation reinforces ageism, further marginalizing older populations.

Conclusion

The field of gerontology has significantly advanced, evolving from a narrow focus on the biological aspects of aging to a comprehensive examination of the complexities surrounding aging as a social, psychological, and economic issue. As depicted in the works of Smith (2014) and Calasanti & Slevin (2006), understanding aging requires us to consider multiple factors, including societal structures, gender, and the lived experiences of older adults. This multifaceted approach is crucial for developing inclusive policies and practices that enhance the quality of life for all aging individuals.

References

• Calasanti, T. & Slevin, K. (2006). Gender, Social Inequalities, and Aging. In Harris, T. (Ed.), Handbook on Aging. Cambridge University Press.
• Smith, J. (2014). Historical Perspectives on Aging and Gerontology. In Harris, T. (Ed.), Handbook on Aging. Cambridge University Press.
• Harris, T. (2018). Handbook on Aging. Cambridge University Press.
• Atchley, R. C. (2009). Continuity and Adaptation in Aging: Creating Positive Experiences. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Rowe, J. W. & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful Aging. The Gerontologist.
• Laslett, P. (1989). A Fresh Map of Life: The Emergence of the Third Age. Weidenfeld and Nicolson.
• Gilleard, C. & Higgs, P. (2000). The Third Age: Class, Cohort, and the Social Meaning of Aging. Ageing & Society.
• Friedman, S. (2013). The Rights of the Elderly: A Historical Perspective. New York University Press.
• Beck, M. & Timm, J. (2017). Gender, Age, and Employment: Unequal Opportunities in Later Life. International Journal of Ageing and Later Life.
• Dunkle, R. E., & Pruin, A. (2020). The Role of Technology in the Lives of Older Adults: A Review of Contemporary Research. Journal of Technology in Human Services.