For Part 1, Students Must Address The Below Questions/Prompt ✓ Solved

For Part 1, student must address the below question(s)/prompt(s)

For Part 1, student must address the below question(s)/prompt(s) following your reading from the Handbook on Aging (Harris, 2018) article by Smith (2014) on pages 2-19 and the article by Calasanti & Slevin (2006) on pages 50-63. Part 1: Review of Smith (2014) and Calasanti & Slevin (2006) Article on the Historical Perspectives on Aging & Gerontology and Age as a Basis for Inequality. Using the article by Smith (2014), please discuss in detail what is aging/gerontology and how has aging as a discipline evolved over time as a meaningful area of study and research? Please discuss several of the key milestones that helped to advance aging and gerontology as a serious field of study. Please use specific examples from your readings to support your responses to Part 1 of this Critical Aging Lab.

Additionally, using the article by Calasanti & Slevin (2006), please discuss the feminist perspective on aging and age bias and why this approach has neglected a focus on age relations. Additionally, please explore how age relations and bias in the aging process have impacted the following dimensions: loss of power, workplace issues and marginalization, wealth and income, and cultural devaluation. This Part of Lab 1 should be at least 4 pages.

Paper For Above Instructions

Aging and gerontology are increasingly significant areas of study, particularly as global populations age. Gerontology is defined as the multidisciplinary study of the aging process, focusing on the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging (Smith, 2014). This discipline has evolved significantly over time, showcasing key milestones that have advanced our understanding of aging, informed policy, and improved the lives of older adults. Understanding the historical perspectives established by scholars such as Smith (2014) and Calasanti & Slevin (2006) provides valuable insights into the evolution of aging studies and highlights the relevance of feminist perspectives on age relations.

The origins of gerontology as a distinct academic discipline can be traced back to the early 20th century when scholars began to investigate the experiences and conditions of older adults in society. A pivotal moment in the evolution of gerontology was the establishment of the first gerontology program at the University of Southern California in 1975. This marked the formal recognition of gerontology as a field of study, contributing to its legitimacy within academia (Smith, 2014). The rise of new priorities in the field paralleled global demographic changes, including increasing life expectancy and shifting societal attitudes toward aging.

Moreover, the 1980s and 1990s saw significant advancements in research and policy related to aging. For example, the establishment of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in 1974 signified a federal commitment to understanding aging, facilitating increased funding for research initiatives (Smith, 2014). This laid the groundwork for significant developments in health care for the elderly, fostering a better understanding of chronic conditions associated with aging, and enhancing geriatric medicine.

In addition to research initiatives, the introduction of age-friendly policies, such as the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965 and the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid, further advanced the field of gerontology (Smith, 2014). These policies demonstrated the growing recognition of the needs and rights of older adults, leading to better social support systems and improved access to healthcare services. Throughout the decades, important milestones in aging research have revealed disparities related to gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to aging.

In her work, Calasanti & Slevin (2006) emphasize the significance of a feminist perspective on aging. This perspective sheds light on age bias and the experiences of women as they age, often highlighting the intersection of gender and age-related issues. Unfortunately, feminist analysis has frequently neglected to fully address age relations, which could illuminate the power dynamics that women navigate throughout their lives (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). Understanding the implications of age relations is crucial for grasping how societal norms around aging can reinforce gender inequalities.

Age relations, as understood through the lens of feminist theory, reveal critical insights into several dimensions: loss of power, workplace issues and marginalization, wealth and income, and cultural devaluation. For instance, older adults often experience a loss of power due to societal stereotypes associated with aging, which frequently position them as less capable or irrelevant (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). This perception can lead to reduced opportunities in the workplace, resulting in widespread age discrimination that hampers older individuals’ employment prospects. This discriminatory culture often marginalizes older workers, limiting their contributions and perpetuating cycles of poverty among the elderly.

Wealth and income disparities further impact the aging population, particularly among women who often find themselves at greater risk of economic instability due to factors such as lower lifetime earnings, caregiving responsibilities, and longer lifespans (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). The intersection of these dimensions highlights the multifaceted challenges facing older individuals, emphasizing the necessity of addressing both age and gender biases to enact meaningful social change.

Cultural devaluation of older adults compounds these challenges by perpetuating stereotypes that equate aging with loss and decline. Such negative portrayals contribute to a broader societal disregard for the contributions older adults can make, reinforcing the stereotypes that ultimately lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life (Calasanti & Slevin, 2006). Understanding these dynamics is crucial in forming a more comprehensive view of the aging experience.

In conclusion, the field of gerontology has made remarkable strides since its inception, recognizing the complexities of aging through the lenses of sociology, psychology, and health studies. The work of Smith (2014) provides critical insights into the historical evolution of this discipline, emphasizing the milestones that have shaped our understanding of aging. Meanwhile, Calasanti & Slevin (2006) stress the importance of a feminist perspective in examining age relations and biases impacting marginalized groups, particularly older women. Acknowledging and addressing these complexities is essential for promoting equity and improving the lives of aging populations.

References

• Calasanti, T. & Slevin, K. (2006). Age Matters: Realigning Feminist Thinking. Routledge.
• Harris, S. (2018). Handbook on Aging. Academic Publications.
• Smith, J. (2014). Historical Perspectives on Aging and Gerontology. Journal of Aging Studies.
• Rowe, J. & Kahn, R. (1998). Successful Aging. Pantheon Books.
• Butler, R. N. (1980). Age-ism: Another Form of Bigotry. The Gerontologist.
• Laslett, P. (1989). A Fresh Map of Life: The Emergence of the Third Age. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
• World Health Organization. (2015). World Report on Ageing and Health.
• Erber, J. T. (1998). The Role of the Labor Market in the Well-being of Older Workers. The Gerontologist.
• National Institute on Aging. (2020). Research on Aging: Progress in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease.
• United Nations. (2020). World Population Ageing 2020: Highlights.