Module 3: Socio-cultural And Psychologicial Aspects of Aging

3.1: Module Objectives

3.1.8: Temporal Dimensions of Life: The Aged (II)

In contemporary society, the aged or elderly are often referred to as if they were a unitary group, when in fact they comprise several distinct cohorts, quite apart from the usual distinctions by gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Indeed, the demographic group composed of those aged 65 or more years is the most heterogeneous in society, in terms of wealth, health, activity, and social and familial resources. The cohort born around the turn of the 20th century is now over 100 years old and makes up one of the fastest growing demographic groups in society in general. They are very different from the “young-old”, ages 65-74, who were born during the Great Depression or World War II. Many in this group are still employed or are active recent retirees, undertaking many volunteer activities, with considerable economic and other resources at their command.

Meanwhile, the Baby Boomers themselves are poised in the wings, waiting to become the “young-old”. By 2011, the Older Boomers will begin to reach 65, and so achieve “old age” as it is numerically defined in our society today. Many of their grandparents are still alive and are in their upper 80s and 90s. The parents of the Boomers, typically in their 60s, 70s, perhaps even early 90s, are dealing with their own aging even as they care for the Boomer grandparents. Many Baby Boomers themselves are beginning to experience the need to provide care for these older relatives as they become frail, or to realize that the older generations are beginning to diminish seriously in numbers.