1. Describe the changing demographic patterns of the aging population in the United States, and discuss at least two social or economic impacts. Further, how will these demographic changes influence the need for and provision of long term care services?
2. What is ageism (as applied toward the aged)? Provide two examples of ageism that you’ve witnessed, experienced, or committed yourself. How is ageism damaging to the well-being of older adults? Provide at least two specific examples.
3. Older adults as a group are often accused of using more than their fair share of public resources. Why does this perception exist? Should we be allocating fewer or more resources to the older adult population, or is the current allocation sufficient? Justify your response, taking into consideration all factors, such as the rapidly aging demographic, the role of culture, ageism, the cost of providing monies and services, and the cost of not doing so.
4. Using the theory of Cumulative Advantage/Cumulative Inequality, describe the role that social factors, such as race, gender, socioeconomics, and education, play on economic and health status in old age, and an individual’s ability to retire with financial security.
5. What is meant by the term “successful aging”? Define successful aging and use at least one example to describe it. Next, how do factors such as temperament, genetics, gender, social relationships, race/ethnicity, health behaviors, and socioeconomic status influence successful aging? Discuss at least three of these factors. What can people do (at the individual level) to maximize the likelihood that they will age well?
