Discussion Post: Theories of Aging the Life Course
After completing this week's reading, address the following:
i. In Chapter 1, it presents that gerontologists are increasingly interested in life course and intersections of identity in relation to aging and later life outcomes. Explain why this is important.
ii. In this course, we discuss those who are over the age of 55. In Chapter 3, the concepts of the young old, and old old, as well as the oldest old are presented. Describe who fall under each of these terms.
iii. The Chapter 1 reading covers the various ways gerontologists perform research. Present at least three reasons why it is important for research to be performed on the demographic of those aged over 55.
iv. Now it is your turn to perform some research of your own! Contact a person who would fall into one of the categories of old age (i.e., young old, old old, or oldest old) and interview them about how their lives have changed since they reached the milestone of being an older adult. In your post, include a brief synopsis of what you learned with regard to that person's activities which may link to some of the concepts presented in Chapter 2: living arrangements, housing, illnesses, relationships (with partners and family), social support networks, specifics associated with race, gender, or sexual orientation, and employment situation. Based upon your Chapter 3 reading, which theory (or theories) provides the best theoretical framework for understanding the process of aging for the person that you interviewed?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.