Simone Lawson
Age stratification is a hierarchical ranking of people into age groups within a society. As life expectancy has increased dramatically over the last two centuries, the age strata by which people are characterized has changed. In the United States, all people over eighteen years old are considered adults, but there is a substantial difference between a person who is twenty-one years old and a person who is forty-five years old. More specific breakdowns, such as young adult and middle-aged adult, are helpful in understanding the elderly. The elderly are often grouped as everyone over the age of sixty-five, but a sixty-five-year-old’s experience of life is much different from a ninety-year-old’s. The United States’ older adult population can be divided into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old (approximately sixty-five to seventy-four years old), the middle-old (ages seventy-five to eighty-four years old), and the old-old (over age eighty-five). The baby boomer generation is driving much of the dramatic increase in the over-sixty-five population. As a result of increasing immigration from Latin America and Asia, the changing age structure, and the aging of Baby Boomers, by 2030 each retiree will depend on the contributions of slightly more than two workers. The aging of Baby Boomer cohorts will also increase competition for funding among various recipient groups. The value of a person (i.e., their status or prestige in society) is determined by their age, an ascribed rather than an achieved characteristic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group | Over 85 |
| Other names | Old-old |
| Previous generations | Unhappier, unhealthier, and worse off financially |
| Baby boomers | Driving much of the dramatic increase in the over-65 population |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The 'old-old' age group refers to those over 85 years old
- This age group is one of three life-stage subgroups of the elderly
- The other two subgroups are the ''young-old' (65-74) and 'middle-old' (75-84)
- The number of people in the 'old-old' group is expected to increase
- The 'old-old' group's experience of life is very different to the 'young-old'
The 'old-old' age group refers to those over 85 years old
Age stratification in sociology refers to the hierarchical ranking of people into age groups within a society. It is a system of inequalities linked to age. In Western societies, both the old and the young are perceived and treated as relatively incompetent and excluded from much of social life. Age stratification based on ascribed status is a major source of inequality, and thus may lead to ageism.
The elderly are often grouped together to include everyone over the age of 65. However, a 65-year-old's experience of life is much different from a 90-year-old's. To address this discrepancy, sociologists have divided the elderly population into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old, the middle-old, and the old-old.
The young-old subgroup refers to those aged approximately 65 to 74 years old. This group is generally happier, healthier, and financially better off than the young-old of previous generations. They may continue working past retirement age due to financial pressures or a desire to remain useful and active.
The middle-old subgroup includes individuals aged 75 to 84 years old.
The old-old age group refers to those over 85 years old. This group experiences the most significant physical and psychological changes associated with aging. They may face increased dependence on others and have limited access to social resources. The old-old group is also more likely to experience health issues such as depression and other mental health concerns.
The categorization of the elderly into these subgroups allows sociologists to better understand the unique challenges and experiences of each group. It also helps to highlight the heterogeneity within the elderly population, as there can be significant variations in health, financial stability, and independence among older adults.
As life expectancy has increased, the category of "old-old" has become more prominent, and societies have had to adapt to the changing demographics. For example, countries with aging populations, such as Japan, may encourage elderly citizens to postpone retirement to avoid an economic downturn.
Understanding the dynamics of the old-old age group is crucial for addressing societal challenges related to healthcare, long-term care, and social support systems. It also provides insights into the aging process and how it varies across individuals and cultures.
Quoting the US Constitution: A Guide
You may want to see also
This age group is one of three life-stage subgroups of the elderly
In sociology, age stratification refers to the hierarchical ranking of people into age groups within a society. Age stratification could also be defined as a system of inequalities linked to age. In Western societies, both the old and the young are perceived and treated as relatively incompetent and excluded from much social life. Age stratification based on ascribed status is a major source of inequality, and thus may lead to ageism.
Ageism is a social inequality resulting from age stratification. This is a sociological concept that comes with studying aging populations. Age stratification within a population can have major implications, affecting workforce trends, social norms, family structures, government policies, and even health outcomes. Age stratification is not a fixed phenomenon but rather varies with the passage of time and between cultures and populations.
In the United States, all people over eighteen years old are considered adults, but there is a substantial difference between a person who is twenty-one years old and a person who is forty-five years old. More specific categorical breakdowns, such as "young adult" and "middle-aged adult," are helpful. In the same way, groupings are helpful in understanding the elderly. The elderly are often lumped together to include everyone over the age of sixty-five. But a sixty-five-year-old’s experience of life is much different from a ninety-year-old’s.
The United States’ older adult population can be divided into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old (approximately sixty-five to seventy-four years old), the middle-old (ages seventy-five to eighty-four years old), and the old-old (over age eighty-five). This age group, the old-old, is one of three life-stage subgroups of the elderly. Today’s young-old age group is generally happier, healthier, and financially better off than the young-old of previous generations. In North America, people are better able to prepare for aging because resources are more widely available.
The baby boom generation is the cohort driving much of the dramatic increase in the over-sixty-five population. The biggest bulge in the population pyramid for 2011 (representing the largest population group) was in the age 45 to 55 cohort. As time progresses, the population bulge moves up in age. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 and older, and represent the largest group of elderly people. This aging of the baby boomer cohort has serious implications for society. Healthcare is one of the areas most impacted by this trend. For years, there has been concern about the additional burden the boomer cohort will place on the publicly funded healthcare system.
US Constitution: Public Domain or Not?
You may want to see also
The other two subgroups are the ''young-old' (65-74) and 'middle-old' (75-84)
In the United States, all people over eighteen years old are considered adults, but there is a substantial difference between a person who is twenty-one years old and a person who is forty-five years old. More specific categorical breakdowns, such as "young adult" and "middle-aged adult," are helpful in understanding the elderly. While the elderly are often grouped as everyone over the age of sixty-five, the life experiences of a sixty-five-year-old are much different from those of a ninety-year-old.
The young-old (approximately 65–74) and the middle-old (75–84) are two of the three life-stage subgroups that further categorise the elderly in the United States. The third subgroup is the old-old, which includes individuals over the age of eighty-five. The young-old of today are generally happier, healthier, and in better financial shape than previous generations.
The young-old and middle-old categories are not static and change over time as life expectancy increases. For example, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, multigenerational households were common in the United States, and the experiences and wisdom of elders were respected. However, after World War II, multigenerational households declined, reaching a low point around 1980.
The aging process is influenced by societal factors, and as new groups of people age, they bring unique historical profiles that shape the meanings and values associated with growing older. This dynamic between cohorts and social change can impact various aspects of social life, including social institutions and the experiences of aging individuals. Additionally, societal aging affects the distribution of resources and shifts expectations from different age groups. For instance, as the population ages, the old-age dependency ratio increases, impacting economic stability.
The concept of age stratification in sociology refers to the hierarchical ranking of individuals into age groups within a society. Age stratification can lead to ageism, as both the young and the old may be perceived and treated as incompetent and excluded from social life. Age stratification is not static but varies across time, cultures, and populations.
Ohio Constitution: Power to the People?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The number of people in the 'old-old' group is expected to increase
In the United States, the "old-old" age group generally refers to those over the age of 85. This demographic is expected to increase in number over time. In 2020, the baby boomer generation—a cohort driving the increase in the over-65 population—reached the age bracket of 55 to 75. By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 and older, representing the largest group of elderly people. It is projected that by 2060, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will grow to 98.2 million, with 19.7 million of them aged 85 or older.
This shift in the age structure of the population has significant implications for society. As the number of people in the "old-old" group increases, societies will need to adapt to the changing demands and expectations of this age group. For instance, the issue of long-term care for the elderly is a complex one that involves individuals, families, healthcare systems, and public policy. The aging population will also impact the workforce and retirement dynamics. With a higher old-age dependency ratio, each retiree will depend on the contributions of fewer workers, which could strain social security systems.
Additionally, the aging of the baby boomer cohort has serious implications for healthcare systems. There are concerns about the potential overburdening of healthcare services as this large group of individuals ages and potentially requires more medical attention. This trend is already being observed in countries like Japan, which has a significant proportion of elderly citizens.
The increase in the "old-old" population also intersects with issues of socioeconomic inequality. For example, poverty is more prevalent among older Black women living alone than in any other group of older people. Similarly, the growing divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots" exacerbates tensions and further disadvantages groups that are already vulnerable in terms of health and economic security.
As the number of people in the "old-old" group increases, societies will need to address these challenges and develop strategies to ensure the well-being and support of their aging populations. This includes examining the unequal distribution of resources and social support between age groups, which can lead to health disparities and impact the overall societal aging process.
African Americans' Response to Mississippi's 1890 Constitution
You may want to see also
The 'old-old' group's experience of life is very different to the 'young-old'
In the United States, sociologists consider the "old-old" group to be those over 85. This is in contrast to the "young-old," who are approximately 65 to 74 years old, and the "middle-old," who are between 75 and 84. These categorisations help to understand the elderly population, as there are substantial differences between the life experiences of a 65-year-old and a 90-year-old.
The old-old group's experience of life is very different from that of the young-old. Firstly, the old-old group is more likely to experience physical and mental debilitation, with a general increase in frailty. They are more likely to suffer from bone and joint problems, such as a loss of height, stooping posture, and an increased susceptibility to diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. This can impact their mobility and independence, requiring them to depend on specific services and care.
Mental health is another area where the old-old group differs from the young-old. Older adults, when transitioning from young-old to old-old, tend to experience a reduction in the severity of mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and perceived stress. However, cognitive decline and memory issues may become more prevalent in the old-old group. Additionally, older adults with higher education levels tend to have a more positive attitude and better psychological adjustment to aging, which can impact their overall experience of life.
The old-old group may also have a different outlook on life compared to the young-old. They may be more cautious and conservative in their approach to life, while the young-old may still retain some of the adventurousness and risk-taking tendencies of youth. The old-old may have a stronger desire to maintain continuity in their personhood, activities, and relationships, drawing on their wealth of knowledge and wisdom accumulated over the years.
Socio-economically, the old-old group may face different challenges. They are more likely to require long-term care and decision-making regarding their care becomes a significant aspect of their lives. This can involve family members, healthcare professionals, and social services, impacting their overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the old-old group's experience of life differs significantly from that of the young-old, with unique physical, mental, social, and economic factors coming into play as individuals advance through the stages of ageing.
Trucking Fleet Sizes: Air Resources Board Regulations
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sociologists consider people aged 85 and above as the "old-old". This age group is one of three life-stage subgroups of the elderly population, the other two being the "young-old" (65-74) and the "middle-old" (75-84).
The experience of life varies significantly between a 65-year-old and a 90-year-old. Categorising the elderly population into subgroups helps to better understand the unique needs and challenges of each group.
The baby boom generation is the primary driver of the dramatic increase in the over-65 population. As life expectancy has increased, the age strata by which people are characterised has changed, resulting in a growing number of individuals aged 65 and above.
![Old [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81B9zq+KjIL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
