Understanding Ageing

 Understanding Ageing

### Unit I: Understanding Ageing (12 hours)

This unit delves into the essential sociological understanding of ageing, examining population trends, definitions, the historical context of gerontology and geriatrics, and theoretical perspectives in the sociology of ageing. Below is a detailed breakdown of each topic:

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### **A. Population Dynamics and Global and National Trend (1950–2050): Political, Economic, and Social Implications**

#### 1. **Global Trends (1950–2050)**

- The global population is ageing at an unprecedented rate. Between 1950 and 2050, the population of people aged 60 and above will increase significantly. According to the **Population Reference Bureau (2011)**, by 2050, it is estimated that older adults will make up more than 20% of the global population.

  

#### 2. **National Trends in Nepal**

- Nepal is also witnessing a significant shift in its age demographics. **Chalise (2006)** outlines how Nepal is becoming an ageing society, with its elderly population (those aged 60 and above) growing rapidly. This change has crucial implications for the country's economic development, healthcare infrastructure, and social welfare systems.

- The **Central Bureau of Statistics (2011)** provides a detailed overview of the population structure, indicating that the share of older adults in Nepal has steadily increased, which presents challenges such as pension sustainability, healthcare access, and family-based care systems.

#### 3. **Political, Economic, and Social Implications**

- **Political Implications**: Governments worldwide are adopting policies to address the challenges posed by an ageing population, such as pension reforms, age-friendly employment policies, and healthcare initiatives.

- **Economic Implications**: Ageing populations lead to shifts in the workforce, with fewer younger individuals supporting more older adults, thereby affecting economic productivity, public spending on pensions, and healthcare.

- **Social Implications**: Ageing societies face the challenge of caring for an increasing number of older adults, requiring changes in social support systems, intergenerational relationships, and housing arrangements.

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### **B. Varied Definition and Application of Ageing, Active Ageing, and its Determinants**

#### 1. **Definitions of Ageing**

- The concept of ageing varies across cultures and disciplines. According to the **WHO**, older persons are typically defined as individuals aged 60 or 65 and above, though this threshold can vary by country due to differences in life expectancy and social norms.

  

#### 2. **Active Ageing**

- **Active ageing** is a concept introduced by the **World Health Organization (WHO, 2012)**, which emphasizes the importance of optimizing health, participation, and security to enhance the quality of life as people age. Active ageing encourages older individuals to remain engaged in social, economic, cultural, and civic affairs rather than simply focusing on being free of disease or disability.

  

#### 3. **Determinants of Active Ageing**

- The **WHO Active Ageing Framework** (2012) identifies several determinants that influence the ability of older adults to age actively:

  - **Health services**: Access to health care is essential to promote active ageing.

  - **Economic determinants**: Income security and employment opportunities for older adults.

  - **Social determinants**: Social support networks and opportunities for social engagement.

  - **Physical environment**: Safe housing and transport facilities.

  - **Behavioral determinants**: Lifestyle choices like physical activity and healthy eating.

  - **Personal determinants**: Genetics, personal resilience, and adaptive capabilities.

  - **Gender and culture**: Gender-based and cultural factors also influence ageing experiences.

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### **C. History of Gerontology and Geriatrics**

#### 1. **Gerontology**

- **Gerontology** is the study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing. According to **Bengtson et al. (1997)**, gerontology emerged as a distinct field in the early 20th century, with the focus initially on the biological aspects of ageing but later expanding to include psychological and sociological dimensions. The field has evolved through three generations of theoretical development, moving from descriptive to more critical and interdisciplinary approaches.

#### 2. **Geriatrics**

- **Geriatrics** is the branch of medicine that focuses on the healthcare needs of older adults. It is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in ageing individuals. **Gautam (n.d.)** discusses the distinction between gerontology and geriatrics, noting that while geriatrics is primarily clinical, gerontology is more holistic, considering the social and psychological impacts of ageing.

#### 3. **Development of Gerontology and Geriatrics**

- The historical development of these fields has contributed significantly to how societies understand ageing and how older adults are treated within healthcare and social systems.

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### **D. Theoretical Perspectives on Sociology of Ageing**

#### 1. **Disengagement Theory**

- One of the earliest sociological theories of ageing, **disengagement theory**, posits that as people age, they naturally withdraw from social roles and relationships, which is viewed as beneficial for both the individual and society.

#### 2. **Activity Theory**

- In contrast, **activity theory** argues that staying active and engaged in social roles leads to greater life satisfaction in old age. According to this perspective, older adults who maintain social, physical, and mental activities can experience a more fulfilling and productive life.

#### 3. **Age Stratification Theory**

- **Age stratification theory** examines how society is structured by age groups, and how roles and expectations change as individuals transition through different stages of life. This theory emphasizes the impact of social institutions and policies on the ageing process.

#### 4. **Life Course Perspective**

- The **life course perspective** emphasizes that ageing is a lifelong process shaped by historical, social, and cultural factors. It recognizes that earlier life experiences can influence outcomes in later life, such as health, income, and social connections.

#### 5. **Critical Gerontology**

- **Critical gerontology** challenges traditional notions of ageing and advocates for examining how structural inequalities, such as class, race, and gender, shape the experiences of older adults. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the social, political, and economic contexts that impact ageing.

#### 6. **Intersectionality in Ageing**

- **Intersectionality** in ageing studies explores how age interacts with other social categories such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status, shaping the diverse experiences of ageing.

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### Key Readings:

1. **Global and National Trends**:

   - **Population Reference Bureau (2011). 2011 World Population Data Sheet**. Population Reference Bureau.

   - **Chalise, H. N. (2006)**. Demographic situation of population ageing in Nepal.

   - **CBS. (2011)**. Preliminary report-census 2011. Center Bureau of Statistics, Nepal.

2. **Definitions of Ageing and Active Ageing**:

   - **WHO (n.d.)**. Definition of an older or elderly person.

   - **WHO (2012)**. Active ageing: a policy framework.

3. **Gerontology and Geriatrics**:

   - **Bengtson, V. L., Burgess, E. O., & Parrott, T. M. (1997)**. Theory, explanation, and theoretical development in social gerontology.

   - **Gautam, M. K. (n.d.)**. Basic Concept of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

4. **Theoretical Perspectives on Ageing**:

   - **Marshall, V. W., & Bengtson, V. L. (2011)**. Theoretical perspectives on the sociology of aging.

   - **Bengston, V.L et al (1999)**. Handbook of Theories of Aging.

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This unit provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding ageing from both a sociological and interdisciplinary perspective. By exploring population trends, key concepts like active ageing, the history of gerontology and geriatrics, and theoretical frameworks, students will be equipped to critically engage with the social and policy issues related to ageing in both global and local contexts.