Reference no: EM133907641

Assignment:

Give a thoughtful response to the following by asking questions or using examples of real life situations in 100 to 175 words and using two of the references

Gerontology is defined as the interdisciplinary, biopsychosocial, holistic study of aging and the aging process. This study operates on both micro and macro levels. It examines how societal views influence aging and vice versa. According to (Gerontology UGA, 2015). Gerontology studies the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging. It also considers how these changes impact individuals and society. Moreover, it examines how the aging process influences policies, initiatives, and social programs.

Building on this understanding of gerontology, it is important to consider how societal changes have impacted aging populations. As societies developed from the earliest stage of hunter-gatherer to the most recent post-industrial society, numerous social changes occurred. For example, the birth rate in the U.S and globally decreased. (Sugar et al. 2014) states, "As a whole, Americans are becoming older, and there are more older people among us than ever before in our history (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011)." (p. 3). These trends illustrate why studying gerontology is relevant today. This is not only because everyone will likely interact with aging individuals, but also because a deeper understanding of aging equips society to address the complex needs and opportunities associated with an aging population.

According to this week's reading (Sugar et al., 2014), the proportion of older adults in the population is increasing. At the same time, the proportion of younger age groups is decreasing. Statistically, women have a higher life expectancy than men. Women and minorities are also more likely to experience poverty. Population growth is expected across all racial and ethnic groups. However, the Hispanic community is projected to see the largest increase (Ch 1). As a result, in the coming decades, these demographic shifts will influence policies and initiatives. Such policies will likely prioritize affordable housing, healthcare, transportation, social support for family caregivers, and adjustments to income-qualifying requirements.

The major historical event I experienced was the 2020 Pandemic. This impacted my life both socially and professionally. Luckily, I could work remotely from home, so I was not financially adversely affected. However, working remotely meant less social contact with colleagues. Initially, working collaboratively was a challenge. We all improved technically in using online platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp. I used the same platforms to connect socially with family and friends. I experienced my first of many Telehealth appointments. These took some time to get used to, but I came to appreciate the convenience of scheduling appointments sooner and having no commute. As a generation, we experienced social isolation, death, primary and secondary trauma, increased poverty, loss of employment, housing, and food insecurity. I do not think it will continue to impact me as I age, given my life experiences before, during, and after the Pandemic. I have adapted and will continue to adapt to life's changes.

Ageism is the prejudicial and discriminatory acts portrayed against older adults because of stereotyping. This discrimination can occur on social, professional, and institutional levels. According to (Morgan & Kunkel 2016). The deliberate categorization and discrimination against individuals based only on their age is known as ageism (Pg. 10). I have witnessed staff engaging in elderspeak during in-home care. For example, they refer to and call the older adult by pet names. I make it practice to ask the older adult their name and how they would like to be called. Sometimes, family members unintentionally exclude elderly family members during care planning meetings. Unless the older adult lacks the capacity to participate, they should be included in the decision-making process, because care planning meetings are person-centered. According to the learning resource (Sugar et al, 2014), these practices are demeaning, impolite, and disrespectful. Such negative interactions may result in the older person refusing assistance, leading to mistrust, health deterioration, and reduced social interaction (Pg. 32-33).

References

Gerontology UGA. (2015, April 16). YouTube.

Judith A. Sugar, Robert Riekse, Henry Holstege, & Michael Faber. (2014). Introduction to Aging : A Positive, Interdisciplinary Approach. Springer Publishing Company.

Leslie A. Morgan; Suzanne R. Kunkel. Aging, Society, and the Life Course. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, 2016.