Lesson 36: Aging and Late Life Demographics


Attention

Census: Age 2000

Census: Age 2025

According to the US Census Bureau, our age demographics are changing in the US. The two graphs above represent the distribution of age in 2000 and then the projected distribution in 2025.

Notice that the "Baby Boomer" band has shifted up and is filling out the higher age categories.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify factors which contribute to how long someone lives

Teaching

So, how long do you want to live? 75? 80? 120? Forever?

Developmental Psychologists study aging patterns across the globe. How LONG someone lives is called "Longevity" and is determined by genetic and environmental factors.

The Average Life Expectancy is a statistic that determines the age at which 1/2 of the people born in a particular year will be still alive.

life expectancy in the US

Genetic and Environmental Factors

  • Family with a long history of long-lived individuals
  • Low family history of disease
  • Toxins
  • Lifestyle
  • Social class
  • Access to goods and services
  • Access to medical care

Gender Differences

Women's longevity is about 5 years more than men's.

Categories of "Old"

  • Young Old = 60-80 (Third Age)
  • Old Old = 80+ (Fourth Age)
  • "good news" vs "bad news"

Why do we age?

Review the video "Never Say Die", an episode of Scientfic American Frontiers. If you don't get a chance to view this particular film in the library..then click HERE to read a transcript.


Assessment

Lesson 36 Discussion

Review the video "Never Say Die" or read the transcript. Many of the scientists interviewed in this show are trying to research ways to extend the lifespan. How long would you really want to live? Why? What ethical issues arise when we begin to artificially extend the lifespan? Is this work any different than work to reduce illness and disease (which also artificially extends the lifespan)?