Bài giảng Human Development 2e - Chapter 11 A diversity of older adults

Chapter 11A diversity of older adultsThe changing demography of age groups20 to 30 years have been added to the average life expectancy for people in affluent countries (incl. NZ).There are elders who have extensive knowledge of history than there were for previous generations.The third age: 60 to 90 years of ageThere are discrepancies in life expectancy around the world (in 2012, the oldest person was 115 years).Quality of life is just as important as the length of one's life span.The 'fourth age' refers to people over 85 years.Living longer: historical changes in the populationProportions of younger children to older people is changing. New Zealand women are having fewer children.The oldest of the baby boom generation are reaching their 60s.People are living longer. Both Māori and Pacific populations are younger than the Pākehā population, with fewer people over age 65.This trend of a younger population for Māori and Pacific people is likely to decrease in future.There has been an increase in the Asian population.Ageism and discourses of late adulthoodOlder people go through stages just as younger people do.Old people are not all the same.Periods in later life have led to a diversity of different paths rather than 'stages'.Ageism: prejudice based on ageStereotype of an old person: alone, ill and isolatedThis stereotype can lead to psychological challenges for living in society. Ageing as loss: there exists a discourse of older people thought to be slower and less efficient.Health concerns for older New Zealanders and ageing as gainCertain illnesses and conditions are more prevalent in older people.Relationships are crucial to the wellbeing of older adults and they can influence children (interdependence).Ageing as gain: more positive discourse sees ageing as a process of getting older and bolder.Some cultures place great value on their old people, e.g. Māori and Chinese elders are respected.Personality development in later adulthoodErikson thought that older people spend time reflecting on their life: the crisis of integrity vs despair.Disengagement (Cumming & Henry, 1961): people withdraw from society and vice versaMany researchers have focused on generativity of how the older person might support the younger ones.Common for older people to undertake a life review, a generative reflection.Life experience provides resilience, which is adaptability in different environments.Cognitive development in later adulthood & educationCognitive skills can be maintained or improved with age.Older people may be less efficient in mechanical cognitive skills.But they have more memories and more to consider.People can grow in wisdom over the life span.Elders who have not had opportunities for further study while young take the chance later in life.Ageism limits some opportunities (e.g. access to training).Learning occurs in formal and non-formal education.Family and social connectionsOlder people who are in a relationship have better health than those who are single or widowed.A big adjustment is the loss of a partnerInvolvement with extended family may occur.Women over the age of 65 are more likely to socialise outside the home and be volunteers in the community.Men are more likely to provide financial support to family members.GrandparentingThis is an important phase.It leads to diversity in the intergenerational connections with families: caring for grandchildren.Three styles of grandparenting (Cherlin & Furstenburg, 1986):remote—seeing grandchildren infrequently companionate—wanting to be friends but not giving out disciplineinvolved—correcting the grandchildren and giving out advice.Diverse experiences of grandparenting occur, depending on place and culture.Work and retirementThe Prime Ministerial Task Force on Positive Ageing highlighted the need to rethink the nature of 'retirement'.The proportion of older people are rising in relation to the working-age population.There has been an increase in concern of how to support older people in their retirement.The past 25 years has seen an increase in men working after the age of 65.For women over 55, only about 1 in 14 are in paid work.Lifestyles in later lifeMyth: older people mostly live in rest homes.Many live alone and in their own homes.'Grey migration' is when older people choose to live with other older people in communities of support.Some older Maori are returning to their home marae (their turangawaewae)Lifestyles in later lifeMyth: older people mostly live in rest homesMany live alone and in their own homes.'Grey migration' is when older people choose to live with other older people in communities of support.Some older Māori are returning to their home marae (their tūrangawaewae).Keeping active'Use it or lose it': make use of intellect and physical capacities for longevity of lifePhysical losses with ageing can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.Older people have different ideas about what constitutes successful ageing.Grant (2004) found that people aged 70 and over grew up when physical exercise was discouraged for the ageing. He also noted that cultures differ in the amount of exercise considered usual for older people.Interdependence and supportThe United Nations (1998) statement of Principles for Older PersonsIndependence of older peopleFull participation as members of communitiesLevel of care and protection as a rightSelf-fulfilment through opportunities in their cultureDignity as human beingsIncome, social contacts and good health are linked directly with quality of life.More nurses, caregivers and home support workers will be required by 2021 for support of older people.The frail older adultMost people are likely to experience a period of frailty.The older the body gets, the more vulnerable it can become.Dementia (over the age of 85) is an epidemic in the euro-western world.The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease which is a progressive, degenerative condition with no cure.The future of ageingThere have been negative discourses of ageing. However, there are more positive ways of looking at ageing.Currently people have longer lives of activity and social connection.Education, on-going partner relationships and more work are on the increase.There is great diversity among older people.