Sociology Chapter 13

Gerotranscendence

As people age, they transcend the limited views of like they held in earlier times, become less self-centered and feel more peaceful and connected to the natural world

Secondary Aging

Aging that occurs die to controllable factors like exercise and diet

Primary Aging

Biological factors such as molecular and cellular changes

Subculture of Aging Theory

Focuses on the shared community created by the elderly when they are excluded from participating in other groups

Age Stratification Theory

Members of society are stratified by age, just as they are stratified by race, class, and gender

Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory

Personal development is based on the components of selection, optimization, and compensation

Elder Abuse

The act of a caretaker intentionally depriving an older person of care or harming the person in their charge

Continuity Theory

The elderly make specific choices to maintain consistency in internal and external structures

Activity Theory

The more active and involved an elderly person is, the happier they will be

Life course

The period from birth to death, including a sequence of predictable life events such as physical maturation

Modernization Theory

The primary cause of the elderly losing power and influence in society are the parallel forces of industrialization and modernization

Exchange Theory

We experience an increase in dependence as we age and must increasingly submit to the will of others

Disengagement Theory

Withdrawing from society and social relationships is a normative part of the aging process