SOC 304
Social Gerontology
December 01, 2014
The Aging and Its Impact on the Economy
The aging population has and continues to have a profound impact on the economic stance and demographic transition within the United States that affects individuals, families, Social Security funding and availability, employment and the retirement age limitation. As the baby boomer generation begins to age the demographic consistency of the population will change and there will be more in the aged population than the younger population.
The United States aging population has advanced at a startling rate, thereby propagating a different category of demographic transition. This dissimilar group of demographic …show more content…
Several options that could assist in replenishing these programs are increasing the benefit age and limiting benefits for the wealthy. Pursuant to Rother 2014, inadvertently society has allowed a gap to develop in the Social Security and Medicare system that augments economic segregation in communities. This fissure destabilizes the inclusiveness and cohesiveness of the community and creates a threat to the quality of life for many in the aged population (Rother, …show more content…
Stereotypes depicted in television advertisements, and societal perceptions on aging have produced negative methodologies and attitudes towards seniors in every aspect of life. The older generation encounters discrimination, economic challenges, strained familial connections and stereotypical portrayals everywhere; home, work, hospitals, and retail establishments. Many advertising images provide younger viewers the impression that the elderly are suddenly incapable of being alone at home or unable to get help, perhaps for hours or even days. Age discrimination affects everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, or color. Discrimination, although in limited cases can be allowed based on age. Age discrimination can be permitted in the area of a valid occupational qualification. In this instance the age of the person is directly related to the job in question. This relates to conditions where an individual who has not reached a certain age is not qualified to do that job. This is usually the case where the safety concern is of essence.
These negative stereotypes portray the elderly as vulnerable and burdens upon the family members and society as a whole. In addition the stereotyping affects the older generations’ self-esteem, which causes many to break or sever familial ties so they do not feel as a