Aging, society, and the life course / Leslie A. Morgan, PhD, Suzanne R. Kunkel, PhD.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Morgan, Leslie A., author.

Kunkel, Suzanne, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Older people--United States.

Older people.

Aging--United States.

Aging.

Gerontology--United States.

Gerontology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (418 pages) : illustrations

Edition:

Fifth edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, New York : Springer Publishing Company, 2016.

Summary:

"[This] book's unfading preoccupation with social context, social processes, and social structures distinguishes itself and greatly contributes to the discourse in gerontology." -The Gerontologist This classic text, now in its fifth edition, is distinguished by its emphasis on social context, social processes, and social structures as part.

Contents:

Cover

Title

Copyright

Contents

Preface

Continuing Themes

Pedagogical Features

Acknowledgments

Share Aging, Society, and the Life Course, Fifth Edition

Chapter 1: Aging and Society

Learning Objectives

Dimensions of Aging

Physical Aging

Psychological Aging

Social Aging

Societal Aging

Ways of Categorizing People by Age

Chronological Age

Functional Age

Life Stage

The Rise of Old Age as a Social Category

Generational Consciousness

The Aging Population as a Social Force

The Life Course and Old Age

Social Perspectives on Aging

The Sociological Imagination

The Growth of Gerontology as a Field of Study and Practice

Summary

Web Exercise

Key Terms

Questions for Thought and Discussion

Chapter 2: Studying Aging

Why Do We Conduct Research?

The Role of Theory

How Do We Conduct Research on Aging?

Age as a Variable

Separating Age, Period, and Cohort Effects

Methods Targeted to Research on Aging

Longitudinal/Panel Studies

Secondary Analysis

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods

Event History Analysis

Life History and Reminiscence

Other Special Issues in Studying Aging

Cohort-Centrism, Dynamism, and Limits of Current Knowledge

Applying Theory: Cohort Size and Life Chances: The Easterlin Hypothesis

Sociology of Science

Research Activism

Topical Essay: Ironies of Crime: Silver-Haired Victims and Criminals

Older Persons as Victims of Crime

Older Persons as Criminals

Chapter 3: An Aging World: Demographic Perspectives

The Aging of Societies

Global Aging

How Do Populations Age?

Applying Theory: Demographic Transition Theory

Measures of Population Aging.

Demographic Characteristics of the U.S. Aging Population

Living Arrangements

Geographic Distribution

Gender Composition

Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Centenarians

Interpreting and Using Demographic Data

The Fallacy of the Demographic Imperative

Chapter 4: The Aging Individual in Social Context

Setting the Stage: Psychology of Aging

Human Development and Aging

Social Context, Life Course, and Individual Aging

Successful Aging: The Role of Social Factors

Environmental Gerontology

Social Context

The Life Course

Social Roles

Age Norms

Structural Lag

Life Course Perspective in Gerontology

Analyzing Theory: The Emergence of Developmental Science

Topical Essay: Creativity and Age: The Real Story

Chapter 5: Aging and the Family: Personal and Institutional Contexts

The Family as an Institution

The Meanings of Generation

Core Norms and Expectations of Family Relationships

Independence and Dependence

Voluntarism and Obligation

Families as Personal Networks

Applying Theory: Family Life Cycle Theory and Individual Dependency in the Family

Strengths in Later-Life Families

Continuity and Change in Later-Life Families

Key Familial Roles and Relationships

Spouses/Aging Couples

Grandparents

Families as Caregivers

Context of Caregiving: Family Norms of Mutual Assistance

Intergenerational Support

Family Members as Caregivers to Frail Elders

Caregiver Burden and Rewards

Involvement of Older Adults in Their Own Care

Family Conflict: Elder Abuse and Neglect

Social Change and the Family's Future

Changes in Marriage.

Changes in the Size and Shape of Families

Future Changes in the Timing of Family Life Events

Growing Complexity of Family Relations

Chapter 6: Work and Retirement in the Life Course

Employment as an Organizing Force in the Life Course

Dynamics of the Labor Force

Employment and Life Chances

The Occupational Life Cycle

Older Workers and the Dynamics of the Labor Force

Skills and Employability of Older Workers

Age Discrimination in Employment: Problems and Policies

Applying Theory: Rocking Chairs or Rock Climbing: Disengagement and Activity Theories

Defining Retirement

The Social Construction of Retirement

The Institutionalization of Retirement in the United States

The Role of Social Security

The Role of Employer Pensions

Gender and Retirement

Race, Ethnic, and Social Class Variations

The Deconstruction of Retirement?

Individual Retirement

Determinants of the Retirement Decision

Employment After Retirement-Encore and Bridge Jobs

Retirement Consequences for Individuals and Couples

Applying Theory: Continuity Theory and the "Busy Ethic"

Rethinking Work and Retirement for the Future

Changes in Policies and Political Attitudes

Changes in the Economy and the Nature of Work

Topical Essay: Portrayal of Older Men and Women in Media

Aging and Gender

Chapter 7: Economics and the Aging of Society

The Role of Economics in Aging

Policy and the Economic Status of Older Adults

Sources of Income for Older Adults in the United States

Economic Well-Being of Older Americans

Economic Well-Being and Inequality Among Older People.

Effects of Population Aging on the Economy

Applying Theory: The Stratified Life Course: Cumulative Inequality and Economic Diversity

Prospects for the Future Economic Status of the Elderly

Topical Essay: E-Elders

Computer Use by Older Adults

Uses of Computer Technology

Making Devices Age-Friendly

Limiting Factors

Chapter 8: Aging and Health: Individuals, Institutions, and Policies

The Health Status of Older People

Prevalence Rates for Chronic Conditions

Functional Ability

Self-Assessment

Mortality

Mental Health and Aging

Explaining Gender and Race Variations in Health

The U.S. Health Care System

The Medical Model of Health Care

Elements of the Health Care System

Access and Utilization

Financing Health Care for Older Americans

Applying Theory: The Political Economy of Health Care Access

Long-Term Care in the United States

Topical Essay: Antiaging: Cosmetics and Aesthetics

Chapter 9: Politics, Government, and Aging in America

The Social Construction of Old Age and the Welfare State

The Older Americans Act: A Legacy of Compassionate Ageism

Policy Debates and the Social Construction of Old Age

Generational Politics: Conflict and Consensus

The Potential for Generational Conflict

The Generational Equity Debate

The Battle Over Social Security

The Debate on Age and Need Entitlements

Rethinking Age-Based Policies?

Aging and Political Behavior

Age Norms and Rules for Political Participation

Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Political Behavior

Working the Political System: Age-Based Advocacy.

Applying Theory: Age Stratification Theory

Chapter 10: Global Aging

Global Aging and Regional Economies

Level-of-Development Designations

Demographic Overview of Global Aging

Speed of Population Aging

Demographic Dividends

Cultural Traditions, Population Aging, and Social Change

China: One-Child Policy

Germany: Inverted Pyramid

Kenya: Health Challenges

Aging and the Welfare State

History of the Welfare State

Program Types and Eligibility

Welfare State and the Role of the Family

Applying Theory: Modernization Theory

The Study of Global Aging

Comparative Methods

International Initiatives on Aging

Topical Essay: Greying of the Rainbow: LGBT Aging

Variations and Challenges in the Older LGBT Population

LGBT Aging Issues

Chapter 11: Baby Boomers and the Changing Landscape of Aging

Cohort Flow and Changing Aging

Who Are the Baby Boomers?

Characteristics of the Baby Boomer Cohort

Generational Characteristics

New Landscapes of Aging

The Third Age: A New Phase of the Life Course

Productive Aging: Expanded Opportunities, Altered Expectations

Workforce Needs for an Aging Society

Lifelong Learning

Chapter 12: The Dynamics of Aging in Our Future

Aging in a Changing Social World

Rethinking Old Age and the Life Course

Long-Term Changes in Aging: Beyond the Boomers

Growth and Change: The Aging of the Older Population

Changing Family Structures: Implications for Care and Relationships.

Changes in Health: Incremental Changes and Breakthroughs.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0-8261-2173-X

OCLC:

915080188