ageing population policies sociology

Ageing Population Policies: A Sociological Analysis

Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, PhD

Dr. Eleanor Vance holds a PhD in Sociology from Harvard University and has over 20 years of experience researching and lecturing on aging populations, social policy, and demographic change. Her expertise lies in the intersection of social policy and individual experiences of aging, with a particular focus on the impact of government policies on the well-being of older adults. She is the author of several influential books, including "The Silver Tsunami: Navigating the Social and Economic Challenges of an Ageing Population" and has served as a consultant to numerous national and international organizations on ageing population policies sociology.

Keywords: Ageing population policies sociology, social gerontology, aging policies, demographic change, social security, healthcare policy, elder care, intergenerational equity, pension reform, long-term care.

Introduction:

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate. This demographic shift presents significant challenges and opportunities, requiring governments to develop and implement effective ageing population policies. Ageing population policies sociology examines the social, economic, and political dimensions of this demographic transition and analyzes the impact of various policies on older adults and society as a whole. This analysis delves into the historical context of ageing population policies sociology, exploring its evolution and current relevance in shaping the lives of aging populations worldwide.

Historical Context of Ageing Population Policies Sociology:

The field of ageing population policies sociology emerged alongside the increasing awareness of the demographic shift towards an older population in the mid-20th century. Early research focused primarily on the economic implications of aging, particularly the strain on social security and pension systems. However, the discipline has since broadened to encompass a wider range of issues, including healthcare access, elder care, social inclusion, and intergenerational equity.

Initially, policies were largely reactive, focusing on providing basic income support and healthcare for older adults. The development of the welfare state in many countries marked a significant turning point, with the introduction of comprehensive social security programs and publicly funded healthcare systems. However, these systems have come under increasing strain in recent decades due to the rapid growth of the aging population and rising healthcare costs.

This has spurred renewed interest in preventative measures, such as promoting healthy aging and encouraging active aging, alongside efforts to reform existing social security and healthcare systems to ensure their long-term sustainability. Ageing population policies sociology has played a vital role in informing these policy debates, providing empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks to understand the complex interplay between demographic change and social policy.

Current Relevance of Ageing Population Policies Sociology:

Today, ageing population policies sociology remains highly relevant given the ongoing challenges posed by the aging population. Key areas of focus include:

Pension Reform: Many countries are grappling with the financial sustainability of their pension systems in the face of increasing life expectancies and declining birth rates. Ageing population policies sociology contributes to understanding the implications of different reform options, such as raising retirement ages, increasing contribution rates, or introducing private pension schemes.

Healthcare Policy: The demand for healthcare services among older adults is rising rapidly, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems. Research in ageing population policies sociology examines the effectiveness of various strategies for improving access to affordable and high-quality healthcare for older adults.

Long-Term Care: Providing appropriate long-term care for individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities is a major challenge. Ageing population policies sociology explores different models of long-term care, including community-based care, residential care, and family care, analyzing their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Social Inclusion and Ageism: Ageing population policies sociology also addresses the issue of social inclusion, aiming to combat ageism and ensure that older adults can participate fully in society. This includes policies that promote active aging, support social engagement, and combat age discrimination.

Intergenerational Equity: The financial burden of supporting an aging population raises concerns about intergenerational equity. Ageing population policies sociology analyzes the distributional effects of different policies, examining how the costs and benefits of aging are shared across generations.

Main Findings and Conclusions:

The field of ageing population policies sociology demonstrates that effective policies require a holistic approach that integrates economic, social, and healthcare considerations. Simply providing financial support is insufficient; policies must also address the social and emotional needs of older adults, promoting their well-being and active participation in society. Furthermore, successful policies must be adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of an aging population, requiring continuous monitoring and evaluation. The ongoing research in ageing population policies sociology highlights the crucial need for collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to address the complex challenges and opportunities presented by an aging world.

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is a globally renowned academic publisher with a long history of publishing high-quality research in the social sciences, including sociology, demography, and public policy. Their expertise and authority in these fields lend significant credibility to any publications they release related to ageing population policies sociology.

Editor: Professor David Miller, PhD

Professor David Miller holds a PhD in Demography from the London School of Economics and has extensive experience editing scholarly publications in the field of aging and social policy. His editorial expertise ensures the rigor and academic quality of the article.

Conclusion:

Ageing population policies sociology provides a crucial lens through which to analyze the complex societal changes brought about by an aging population. It guides the development of effective policies that not only address the economic and healthcare challenges but also promote the well-being and social inclusion of older adults. By integrating research findings into policymaking, we can build more resilient and equitable societies for all generations.

FAQs:

What are the biggest challenges posed by an aging population? The biggest challenges include the strain on social security and pension systems, rising healthcare costs, the need for adequate long-term care, and the potential for social isolation and ageism.

How can governments promote healthy aging? Governments can promote healthy aging through investments in preventative healthcare, promoting physical activity and healthy diets, and creating age-friendly environments.

What is active aging? Active aging refers to the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.

How can ageism be combated? Combating ageism requires raising awareness about ageist attitudes and stereotypes, promoting positive representations of older adults in the media, and implementing anti-discrimination policies.

What role do families play in caring for older adults? Families play a crucial role, but increasing longevity and changing family structures require a balance between family care and professional support.

What are the ethical considerations of ageing population policies? Ethical considerations include intergenerational equity, the rights of older adults, and the balance between individual autonomy and societal responsibility.

How can technology help address the challenges of aging? Technology can play a significant role in improving healthcare access, promoting social connection, and assisting with daily living tasks.

What is the role of private sector involvement in ageing population policies? Private sector involvement can foster innovation in areas such as long-term care technology, home healthcare services, and retirement planning.

How can research in ageing population policies sociology inform policy decisions? Research provides evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of different policy approaches, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions.

"The Impact of Pension Reform on Retirement Security: A Comparative Analysis": This article examines different pension reform models and their impact on retirement security across different countries.

"The Social Determinants of Health in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study": This study investigates the social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

"Ageism and its Impact on the Mental Health of Older Adults": This article focuses on the prevalence and consequences of ageism on the psychological well-being of older individuals.

"Long-Term Care Provision for Individuals with Dementia: A Review of Current Models and Practices": This article provides an overview of different models for providing long-term care to individuals with dementia and assesses their effectiveness.

"The Role of Social Support Networks in Promoting Active Aging": This research explores the importance of social support networks in fostering active aging and preventing social isolation.

"The Economic Implications of Population Aging on Healthcare Systems": This article examines the economic challenges posed by an aging population on healthcare systems and proposes potential solutions.

"Intergenerational Equity and the Funding of Social Security: A Policy Analysis": This article explores the ethical and economic considerations of intergenerational equity in the context of social security funding.

"The Effectiveness of Age-Friendly Communities in Promoting Healthy Aging": This research assesses the impact of age-friendly community initiatives on promoting healthy aging and improving quality of life.

"Technology and Aging: Opportunities and Challenges for the Digital Divide": This article addresses the potential benefits and drawbacks of technological advancements in addressing the needs of an aging population.

ageing population policies sociology: Ageing Populations in Post-Industrial Democracies Pieter Vanhuysse, Achim Goerres, 2013-06-17 Most advanced democracies are currently experiencing accelerated population ageing, which fundamentally changes not just their demographic composition; it can also be expected to have far-reaching political and policy consequences. This volume brings together an expert set of scholars from Europe and North America to investigate generational politics and public policies within an approach explicitly focusing on comparative political science. This theoretically unified text examines changing electoral policy demands due to demographic ageing, and features analysis of USA, UK, Japan, Germany, Italy and all major EU countries. As the first sustained political science analysis of population ageing, this monograph examines both sides of the debate. It examines the actions of the state against the interests of a growing elderly voting bloc to safeguard fiscal viability, and looks at highly-topical responses such as pension cuts and increasing retirement age. It also examines the rise of ‘grey parties’, and asks what, if anything, makes such pensioner parties persist over time, in the first ever analysis of the emergence of pensioner parties in Europe. Ageing Populations in Post-Industrial Democracies will be of interest to students and scholars of European politics, and to those studying electoral and social policy reform. Official publication date 1st January 2012.
ageing population policies sociology: Preparing for an Aging World National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on National Statistics, Committee on Population, Panel on a Research Agenda and New Data for an Aging World, 2001-06-26 Aging is a process that encompasses virtually all aspects of life. Because the speed of population aging is accelerating, and because the data needed to study the aging process are complex and expensive to obtain, it is imperative that countries coordinate their research efforts to reap the most benefits from this important information. Preparing for an Aging World looks at the behavioral and socioeconomic aspects of aging, and focuses on work, retirement, and pensions; wealth and savings behavior; health and disability; intergenerational transfers; and concepts of well-being. It makes recommendations for a collection of new, cross-national data on aging populationsâ€data that will allow nations to develop policies and programs for addressing the major shifts in population age structure now occurring. These efforts, if made internationally, would advance our understanding of the aging process around the world.
ageing population policies sociology: International Handbook on Ageing and Public Policy Sarah Harper, Kate Hamblin, 2014-08-29 With the collective knowledge of expert contributors in the field, The International Handbook on Ageing and Public Policy explores the challenges arising from the ageing of populations across the globe. With an expansive look at the topic, this com
ageing population policies sociology: New Directions in the Sociology of Aging Panel on New Directions in Social Demography, Social Epidemiology, and the Sociology of Aging, Committee on Population, 2014-01-09 The aging of the population of the United States is occurring at a time of major economic and social changes. These economic changes include consideration of increases in the age of eligibility for Social Security and Medicare and possible changes in benefit levels. Furthermore, changes in the social context in which older individuals and families function may well affect the nature of key social relationships and institutions that define the environment for older persons. Sociology offers a knowledge base, a number of useful analytic approaches and tools, and unique theoretical perspectives that can facilitate understanding of these demographic, economic, and social changes and, to the extent possible, their causes, consequences and implications. The Future of the Sociology of Aging: An Agenda for Action evaluates the recent contributions of social demography, social epidemiology and sociology to the study of aging and identifies promising new research directions in these sub-fields. Included in this study are nine papers prepared by experts in sociology, demography, social genomics, public health, and other fields, that highlight the broad array of tools and perspectives that can provide the basis for further advancing the understanding of aging processes in ways that can inform policy. This report discusses the role of sociology in what is a wide-ranging and diverse field of study; a proposed three-dimensional conceptual model for studying social processes in aging over the life cycle; a review of existing databases, data needs and opportunities, primarily in the area of measurement of interhousehold and intergenerational transmission of resources, biomarkers and biosocial interactions; and a summary of roadblocks and bridges to transdisciplinary research that will affect the future directions of the field of sociology of aging.
ageing population policies sociology: International Handbook of Population Aging Peter Uhlenberg, 2009-04-29 The International Handbook of Population Aging examines research on a wide array of the profound implications of population aging. It demonstrates how the world is changing through population aging, and how demography is changing in response to it.
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing in Europe - Supporting Policies for an Inclusive Society Axel Börsch-Supan, Thorsten Kneip, Howard Litwin, Michal Myck, Guglielmo Weber, 2015-10-16 SHARE is an international survey designed to answer the societal challenges that face us due to rapid population ageing. How do we Europeans age? How will we do economically, socially and healthwise? How are these domains interrelated? The authors of this multidisciplinary book have taken a further big step towards answering these questions based on the recent SHARE data in order to support policies for an inclusive society.
ageing population policies sociology: Aging and Social Policy in the United States Nancy Kusmaul, 2021-10-26 Aging and Social Policy in the United States guides students through an exploration of social policies and policymaking that address the needs of older adults and their families. It situates the experiences of older adults in the context of their environment, examining social welfare policies that affect the rights and interests of older adults. The book begins with an introductory unit, providing a foundation for the book, defining key terms, describing how to analyze the impacts of a policy on a population, and examining the ways in which policy is positioned within societal assumptions. Utilizing the life course perspective, the middle three units of this book situate individual biological and psychological challenges of aging in the context of how they are addressed by individuals, families, and societies, identifying the strengths and challenges of existing and proposed social policies at each of these levels. The concluding unit provides comparative insights as to how aging issues are addressed in a sample of countries around the world. Aging and Social Policy in the United States provides undergraduate and graduate students with critical knowledge and perspectives on the complexities of addressing the needs of an aging population.
ageing population policies sociology: Population Ageing and Australia's Future Hal Kendig, Peter McDonald, John Piggott, 2016-10-21 This volume provides evidence from many of Australia’s leading scholars from a range of social science disciplines to support policies that address challenges presented by Australia’s ageing population. It builds on presentations made to the 2014 Symposium of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. The material is in four parts: Perspectives on AgeingPopulation Ageing: Global, regional and Australian perspectivesImproving Health and WellbeingResponses by Government and Families/Individuals ‘The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia sees this volume as a major contribution to improving our understanding of Australia’s population ageing. Social science research in this area truly underpins our ability as a nation to manage such demographic change, and its consequences for the economy and society. Such knowledge helps ensure that our citizens can live even better lives.’ — Glenn Withers, President, ASSA ‘It is fantastic that Australians are living longer and healthier lives but we need to address these demographic changes.’ — The Hon Joe Hockey MP, 2015 Intergenerational Report
ageing population policies sociology: Four Lenses of Population Aging Patrik Marier, 2021 This book analyses the actions and plans enacted by the ten Canadian provinces to prepare for the new reality of an aging society.
ageing population policies sociology: Perspectives and Theories of Social Innovation for Ageing Population Andrzej Klimczuk, Łukasz Tomczyk, 2020-03-25
ageing population policies sociology: Global Ageing in the Twenty-First Century Professor Susan A McDaniel, Professor Zachary Zimmer, 2013-02-28 Population ageing - a growth in the proportion of a population that is in older age - is now occurring in every region and nearly every country of the world. Indeed, the growth of older populations is among the important global phenomena of the twenty-first century. It poses both opportunities and challenges for societies and policy makers, but these are far from uniform worldwide. Dynamic factors are at work impacting on how ageing will influence people, places and policies and there are large variations in the rate and timing of population ageing across countries, owing to differing social, health and economic circumstances and a variety of policy options from which to choose. Given this variation in the context of global ageing as a backdrop, this edited book focuses on three overarching themes that are among the most critical to understand if societies are to age successfully in the twenty-first century and beyond: Healthy ageing and health care; the ageing workforce, retirement and the provision of pensions; shifting intergenerational relations. These three themes are cross-cut by other dimensions that are intertwined with the dynamic processes of ageing, such as immigration/emigration, contrasting policy regimes and global and national economic forces. This ground-breaking book will be of interest to all scholars, students and policy-makers working within this area of study.
ageing population policies sociology: AGEING SOCIETIES Sarah Harper, 2014-05-01 Demographic ageing is a reality - within 25 years half the population of Western Europe will be over 50, one quarter over 65, and the Less Developed Countries will contain one billion elderly people. Ageing Societies examines the myths, challenges and opportunities behind these figures. Ageing Societies explores three areas: § the growing necessity for extending economic activity into later life and the implications of societal ageing for the intergenerational contract and the provision of social security § the changes in modern families and the implications the changes have for the provision of support and care for the ageing population § the biggest demographic challenge of all: ageing in the Less Developed Countries where there is little or no infrastructure to provide long-term care or social security. Combining bio-demography, sociology, economics and development studies, Ageing Societies highlights the opportunities of an ageing population for a mature society. Age-integrated and flexible workforces, increased labour mobility, intergenerational integration, age equality and politically stable age-integrated societies are the potential benefits of a demography which will be with us for the majority of this century.
ageing population policies sociology: Aging and the Macroeconomy National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Population, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Board on Mathematical Sciences and Their Applications, Committee on the Long-Run Macroeconomic Effects of the Aging U.S. Population, 2013-01-10 The United States is in the midst of a major demographic shift. In the coming decades, people aged 65 and over will make up an increasingly large percentage of the population: The ratio of people aged 65+ to people aged 20-64 will rise by 80%. This shift is happening for two reasons: people are living longer, and many couples are choosing to have fewer children and to have those children somewhat later in life. The resulting demographic shift will present the nation with economic challenges, both to absorb the costs and to leverage the benefits of an aging population. Aging and the Macroeconomy: Long-Term Implications of an Older Population presents the fundamental factors driving the aging of the U.S. population, as well as its societal implications and likely long-term macroeconomic effects in a global context. The report finds that, while population aging does not pose an insurmountable challenge to the nation, it is imperative that sensible policies are implemented soon to allow companies and households to respond. It offers four practical approaches for preparing resources to support the future consumption of households and for adapting to the new economic landscape.
ageing population policies sociology: Demography of Aging National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Population, 1994-02-01 As the United States and the rest of the world face the unprecedented challenge of aging populations, this volume draws together for the first time state-of-the-art work from the emerging field of the demography of aging. The nine chapters, written by experts from a variety of disciplines, highlight data sources and research approaches, results, and proposed strategies on a topic with major policy implications for labor forces, economic well-being, health care, and the need for social and family supports.
ageing population policies sociology: Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences Linda George, 2010-11-26 Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, Seventh Edition, provides extensive reviews and critical evaluations of research on the social aspects of aging. It also makes available major references and identifies high-priority topics for future research. The book is organized into four parts. Part 1 reviews developments in the field of age and the life course (ALC) studies and presents guidelines on conducting cohort analysis. Part 2 covers the demographic aspects of aging; longevity trends; disability and aging; and stratification and inequality research. Part 3 includes chapters that examine socioeconomic position and racial/ethnic disparities in health at older ages; the role of social factors in the distribution, antecedents, and consequences of depression; and aspects of private wealth transfers and the changing nature of family gift-giving. Part 4 deals with pension reform in Europe; the political activities of older Americans; the future of retirement security; and gender differences in old age. The Handbook is intended for researchers, professional practitioners, and students in the field of aging. It can also serve as a basic reference tool for scholars, professionals, and others who are not presently engaged in research and practice directly focused on aging and the aged. - Contains all the main areas of social science gerontological research in one volume - Begins with a section on theory and methods - Edited by one of the fathers of gerontology (Binstock) and contributors represent top scholars in gerontology
ageing population policies sociology: Gerotranscendence Lars Tornstam, PhD, 2005-06-20 Given the 2006 GREAT GERONTOLOGY AWARD for outstanding contribution to gerontological research by the Swedish Gerontological Society Received a VALUE GROUND AWARD from the journal Aldreomsorg (Old Age Care) Expanding upon his earlier writings, Dr. Tornstam's latest book explores the need for new theories in gerontology and sets the stage for the development of his theory of gerotranscendence. This theory was developed to address what the author sees as a perpetual mismatch between present theories in social gerontology and existing empirical data. The development towards gerotranscendence can involve some overlooked developmental changes that are related to increased life satisfaction, as self-described by individuals. The gerotranscendent individual typically experiences a redefinition of the Self and of relationships to others and a new understanding of fundamental existential questions: The individual becomes less self-occupied and at the same time more selective in the choice of social and other activities. There is an increased feeling of affinity with past generations and a decreased interest in superfluous social interaction. The individual might also experience a decrease in interest in material things and a greater need for solitary meditation.î Positive solitude becomes more important. There is also often a feeling of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, and a redefinition of time, space, life and death. Gerotranscendence does NOT imply any state of withdrawal or disengagement, as sometimes erroneously believed. It is not the old disengagement theory in new disguise. Rather, it is a theory that describes a developmental pattern beyond the old dualism of activity and disengagement. The author supports his theory with insightful qualitative in-depth interviews with older persons and quantitative studies. In addition, Tornstam illustrates the practical implications of the theory of gerotranscendence for professionals working with older adults in care settings. A useful Appendix contains suggestions of how to facilitate personal development toward gerotranscendence. For Further Information, Please Click Here!
ageing population policies sociology: Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging Danan Gu, Matthew E. Dupre, 2021-11-03 This eight-volume encyclopedia brings together a comprehensive collection of work highlighting established research and emerging science in all relevant disciplines in gerontology and population aging. It covers the breadth of the field, gives readers access to all major sub-fields, and illustrates their interconnectedness with other disciplines. With more than 1300 cross-disciplinary contributors—including anthropologists, biologists, economists, psychiatrists, public policy experts, sociologists, and others—the encyclopedia delves deep into key areas of gerontology and population aging such as ageism, biodemography, disablement, longevity, long-term care, and much more. Paying careful attention to empirical research and literature from around the globe, the encyclopedia is of interest to a wide audience that includes researchers, teachers and students, policy makers, (non)governmental agencies, public health practitioners, business planners, and many other individuals and organizations.
ageing population policies sociology: Handbook of the Economics of Population Aging John Piggott, Alan Woodland, 2016-11-21 Handbook of the Economics of Population Aging synthesizes the economic literature on aging and the subjects associated with it, including social insurance and healthcare costs, both of which are of interest to policymakers and academics. These volumes, the first of a new subseries in the Handbooks in Economics, describe and analyze scholarship created since the inception of serious attention began in the late 1970s, including information from general economics journals, from various field journals in economics, especially, but not exclusively, those covering labor markets and human resource issues, from interdisciplinary social science and life science journals, and from papers by economists published in journals associated with gerontology, history, sociology, political science, and demography, amongst others. - Dissolves the barriers between policymakers and scholars by presenting comprehensive portraits of social and theoretical issues - Synthesizes valuable data on the topic from a variety of journals dating back to the late 1970s in a convenient, comprehensive resource - Presents diverse perspectives on subjects that can be closely associated with national and regional concerns - Offers comprehensive, critical reviews and expositions of the essential aspects of the economics of population aging
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing as a Social Challenge Maria Łuszczyńska, 2021-12 With a focus on the case of Poland, where an aging population poses a crucial challenge for the state's social, family, and gerontological policy, this book explores ageing as a personal and social phenomenon, considering the ways in which the experience of ageing is shaped by younger generations' attitudes, government support policies, local initiatives undertaken help older people stay active, and the ways in which the elderly themselves understand their own mortality. Employing demographic, philosophical, legal, psychological, gerontological perspectives, it emphasises activities that can support older adults locally or nationwide and proposes the development of a social policy and social attitudes that can facilitate changes in the social perception of aging, together with a redistribution of resources for older adults. As such, it will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in ageing and the lifecourse, as well as those who wish to support older adults with concrete solutions and familiarize themselves with the aging process from an individual and social perspective--
ageing population policies sociology: Singapore's Ageing Population Wing-Cheong Chan, 2011-05-25 A rapidly ageing population is the most significant demographic issue confronting Singapore in our lifetime. This has created new and increasing demands on Singapore's healthcare system and on the families of the older adults. The challenge is in providing a system of care that is humane, effective and sustainable financially. This requires coordination between state funded providers, the family and the community. This book offers a multi-disciplinary perspective by researchers from various disciplines such as medicine, sociology, anthropology and law on managing healthcare and end-of-life decisions in Singapore. Providing information and suggestions for better policy formulation towards the aged, this book is an invaluable resource for policy makers, serivce practitioners and scholars working on Asian gerontology.
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing as a Migrant Ruxandra Oana Ciobanu, Tineke Fokkema, Mihaela Nedelcu, 2020-06-29 Motivated by the steady increase in the population of older migrants worldwide, this book acknowledges the diversity within this population group and provides an interdisciplinary and multi-level approach for studying older migrants’ strategies to overcome vulnerability. The book brings together original research on the topics of diversity among older migrants, social vulnerability, loneliness, (transnational) care and support networks. Based on a review of the growing literature on the topic of older migrants and anchored in the empirical findings discussed in the chapters, the book puts forward a general approach to study older migrants as social actors who develop strategies to surpass vulnerabilities. As documented by empirical research, older migrants mobilise their resources and are able to deal with structural opportunities and restrictions operating at meso and macro levels. These strategies are placed at the intersection between family obligations and resources, social networks, and migration and care regimes. The interdisciplinary and multi-level research in this book acknowledges the heterogeneity within the population of older migrants and puts forward research results that have implications for policies targeting the growing population of older migrants. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.
ageing population policies sociology: Families Caring for an Aging America National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Health Care Services, Committee on Family Caregiving for Older Adults, 2016-12-08 Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.
ageing population policies sociology: Economics and Ageing José Luis Iparraguirre, 2018-12-11 This upper level textbook provides a coherent introduction to the economic implications of individual and population ageing. Placing economic considerations into a wider social sciences context, this is ideal reading not only for advanced undergraduate and masters students in economics, health economics and the economics of ageing, but also policy makers, students, professionals and practitioners in gerontology, sociology, health-related sciences and social care. This volume introduces the different conceptualisations of age and definitions of `old age', as well as the main theories of individual ageing as developed in the disciplines of biology, psychology and sociology. It covers the economic theories of fertility, mortality and migration and describes the four main frameworks that can be used to study economics and ageing, namely the life cycle, the overlapping generations, the perpetual youth and the dynastic models.
ageing population policies sociology: Aging, Society, and the Life Course, Fourth Edition Leslie A. Morgan, Suzanne Kunkel, 2011-03-15 Print+CourseSmart
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing in East Asia Tsung-hsi Fu, Rhidian Hughes, 2009-02-13 Ageing populations present considerable challenges to welfare states internationally, and East Asia is no exception. Demographics show that countries in East Asia either have the highest proportion of older people, or the speed at which their population is ageing is faster than anywhere else in the world. This book explores the causes and trends of population ageing in eight countries, and discusses the challenges and impacts of population ageing on public policies. East Asian countries have developed new policies to meet older people’s needs – across health, social care, income maintenance, employment and housing. Ageing in East Asia provides the first comprehensive introduction to ageing policies in East Asian countries. The book: explores causes and trends of population ageing discusses the challenges and impacts of population ageing on public policies examines the important strategic and theoretical policy contexts of ageing policies in East Asian countries covers eight East Asian countries in dedicated chapters: examining Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. This volume brings East Asian countries clearly into focus, and illuminates the state of welfare development internationally. It provides an important resource for lecturers, students, researchers and policy makers with interest in East Asia, older people and welfare policy.
ageing population policies sociology: The Social Context of Ageing Christina Victor, 2004-12-20 This comprehensive text focuses on the social contexts of ageing, looking at the diversity of ageing and older people, and at different factors that are important to experiences of old age and ageing. It includes key chapters on: theoretical and methodological bases for the study of ageing demographic context of the 'ageing' population health and illness family and social networks formal and informal care and other services for older people. Providing an invaluable introduction to the major issues involved in the study of ageing, this book is essential reading for students of sociology, gerontology, social policy, health and social care, and professionals working with older people.
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing and Intergenerational Relations Misa Izuhara, 2010 This exciting book explores the exchange of societal support between generations. It also examines variations in contemporary practices and rationales in different regions and societies around the world. The book draws on theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis to discuss both newly emerging patterns of family reciprocity, as well as more established ones which are affected by changing opportunities and pressures in contemporary societies. It is highly international and comparative in nature, covering the US, Europe, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Thailand.
ageing population policies sociology: Ageing Populations and Changing Labour Markets Stella Vettori, 2016-04-01 Talk of a demographic time bomb is not new. The notion first entered public consciousness some time ago, but there is a lack of clarity about what such talk is really all about. Ageing populations are seen both as a threat and an opportunity. There is concern about discrimination against older workers, at the same time as there is concern about a shortage of labour. Migration of labour from places with young populations to places with ageing populations is sometimes seen in a positive light and sometimes quite differently. With chapters reflecting different perspectives from around the world, this book constitutes a major contribution to serious, informed debate on issues that all too often have been the subject of sensationalised media treatment. Professor Stella Vettori has assembled a collection of expert writers on the social, cultural, political and economic factors that have implications both for labour markets and the well being of older people both in developed and developing countries. As a result, anyone involved with workplace and employment policy and practice, and issues of diversity and discrimination, either at a corporate or societal level, will want to read this book. Policy implications are considered and possible solutions to seemingly intractable problems are offered in a remarkable book that embraces serious academic debate and a practical focus on real issues.
ageing population policies sociology: Aging Social Policies Robbyn R. Wacker, Karen A Roberto, 2010-12-07 Our population is aging. What will we do about it? Due to population explosion and a global increase in average life expectancies, an unprecedentedly high percentage of the world′s population is aging. By the middle of this century there will be up to 2 billion individuals over the age of 65, a demographic shift never before experienced in our human history. In addition, declining birth rates in industrialized countries means a decrease in the number of adults under 64. In Aging Social Policies: An International Perspective the authors consider how policy – domestic and international – affects and will continue to affect the lives of our aging population.
ageing population policies sociology: Critical Questions for Ageing Societies Gemma M Carney, Paul Nash, 2020-09-15 This myth-busting and question-focused textbook tackles the fascinating and important social and policy issues posed by the challenges and opportunities of ageing. The unique pedagogical approach recognises the gap between the lives of students and older people, and equips students with the conceptual, analytical and critical tools to understand what it means to grow old and what it means to live in an ageing society. Features include: • Myth-busting boxes incorporated into each chapter that unpack the common assumptions and stereotypes about ageing and older people in a clear and striking way; • A multidisciplinary and issue-focused approach, interspersed with lively examples and vignettes bringing the debates to life; • Group and self-study activities; • A comprehensive glossary of key terms. Answering questions which have arisen over years of longitudinal and systematic research on the social implications of ageing, this lively and engaging textbook provides an essential foundation for students in gerontology, sociology, social policy and related fields.
ageing population policies sociology: Intersections of Ageing, Gender and Sexualities Andrew King, Kathryn Almack, Rebecca L. Jones, 2020-09-16 Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. With an increasingly diverse ageing population, we need to expand our understanding of how social divisions intersect to affect outcomes in later life. This edited collection examines ageing, gender, and sexualities from multidisciplinary and geographically diverse perspectives and looks at how these factors combine with other social divisions to affect experiences of ageing. It draws on theory and empirical data to provide both conceptual knowledge and clear ‘real-world’ illustrations. The book includes section introductions to guide the reader through the debates and ideas and a glossary offering clear definitions of key terms and concepts.
ageing population policies sociology: Medical Sociology and Old Age Paul Higgs, Ian Rees Jones, 2009 This book reflects on how our understanding and experience of health at later ages in particular can impact on social and technological developments.
ageing population policies sociology: Population Decline and Ageing in Japan - The Social Consequences Florian Coulmas, 2007-05-11 This book presents a comprehensive analysis of one of the most pressing challenges facing Japan today: population decline and ageing. It argues that social ageing is a phenomenon that follows in the wake of industrialization, urbanization and social modernization, bringing about changes in values, institutions, social structures, economic activity, technology and culture, and posing many challenges for the countries affected. Focusing on the experience of Japan, the author explores: how Japan has recognized the emerging problems relatively early because during the past half century population ageing has been more rapid in Japan than in any other country how all of Japanese society is affected by social ageing, not just certain substructures and institutions, and explains its complex causes, describes the resulting challenges and analyses the solutions under consideration to deal with it the nature of Japan’s population dynamics since 1920, and argues that Japan is rapidly moving in the direction of a ‘hyperaged society’ in which those sixty-five or older account for twenty-five per cent of the total population the implications for family structures and other social networks, gender roles and employment patterns, health care and welfare provision, pension systems, immigration policy, consumer and voting behaviour and the cultural reactions and ramifications of social ageing.
ageing population policies sociology: Global Political Demography Achim Goerres, Pieter Vanhuysse, 2021-08-10 This open access book draws the big picture of how population change interplays with politics across the world from 1990 to 2040. Leading social scientists from a wide range of disciplines discuss, for the first time, all major political and policy aspects of population change as they play out differently in each major world region: North and South America; Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region; Western and East Central Europe; Russia, Belarus and Ukraine; East Asia; Southeast Asia; subcontinental India, Pakistan and Bangladesh; Australia and New Zealand. These macro-regional analyses are completed by cross-cutting global analyses of migration, religion and poverty, and age profiles and intra-state conflicts. From all angles, this book shows how strongly contextualized the political management and the political consequences of population change are. While long-term population ageing and short-term migration fluctuations present structural conditions, political actors play a key role in (mis-)managing, manipulating, and (under-)planning population change, which in turn determines how citizens in different groups react.
ageing population policies sociology: Health Expectancy Jean-Marie Robine, 1992 The International Network for Research in the Interpretation of Healthy life Expectancy Data held its first meeting in Quebec in September 1989. This book gathers together and confronts the various studies devoted to disability-free expectancy carried out since 1988 and summarized the earlier studies presented and discussed at the Quebec meeting. Divided into three parts it deals with: the initial studies (1964-1976); the empirical approach of the early 80s (1979-1983); and the beginning of the scientific approach (1983-1987) which is expended by current research.
ageing population policies sociology: Handbook of Sociology of Aging Richard A. Settersten, Jr., Jacqueline L. Angel, 2011-05-11 The Handbook of Sociology of Aging is the most comprehensive, engaging, and up-to-date treatment of developments within the field over the past 30 years. The volume represents an indispensable source of the freshest and highest standard scholarship for scholars, policy makers, and aging professionals alike. The Handbook of Sociology of Aging contains 45 far-reaching chapters, authored by nearly 80 of the most renowned experts, on the most pressing topics related to aging today. With its recurring attention to the social forces that shape human aging, and the social consequences and policy implications of it, the contents will be of interest to everyone who cares about what aging means for individuals, families, and societies. The chapters of the Handbook of Sociology of Aging illustrate the field’s extraordinary breadth and depth, which has never before been represented in a single volume. Its contributions address topics that range from foundational matters, such as classic and contemporary theories and methods, to topics of longstanding and emergent interest, such as social diversity and inequalities, social relationships, social institutions, economies and governments, social vulnerabilities, public health, and care arrangements. The volume closes with a set of personal essays by senior scholars who share their experiences and hopes for the field, and an essay by the editors that provides a roadmap for the decade ahead. The Handbook of Sociology of Aging showcases the very best that sociology has to offer the study of human aging.
ageing population policies sociology: Why Demography Matters Danny Dorling, Stuart Gietel-Basten, 2017-12-08 Demography is not destiny. As Giacomo Casanova explained over two centuries ago: 'There is no such thing as destiny. We ourselves shape our own lives.' Today we are shaping them and our societies more than ever before. Globally, we have never had fewer children per adult: our population is about to stabilize, though we do not know when or at what number, or what will happen after that. It will be the result of billions of very private decisions influenced in turn by multiple events and policies, some more unpredictable than others. More people are moving further around the world than ever before: we too often see that as frightening, rather than as indicating greater freedom. Similarly, we too often lament greater ageing, rather than recognizing it as a tremendous human achievement with numerous benefits to which we must adapt. Demography comes to the fore most positively when we see that we have choices, when we understand variation and when we are not deterministic in our prescriptions. The study of demography has for too long been dominated by pessimism and inhuman, simplistic accounting. As this fascinating and persuasive overview demonstrates, how we understand our demography needs to change again.
ageing population policies sociology: Aging in Asia National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Population, Panel on Policy Research and Data Needs to Meet the Challenge of Aging in Asia, 2012-07-31 The population of Asia is growing both larger and older. Demographically the most important continent on the world, Asia's population, currently estimated to be 4.2 billion, is expected to increase to about 5.9 billion by 2050. Rapid declines in fertility, together with rising life expectancy, are altering the age structure of the population so that in 2050, for the first time in history, there will be roughly as many people in Asia over the age of 65 as under the age of 15. It is against this backdrop that the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA) asked the National Research Council (NRC), through the Committee on Population, to undertake a project on advancing behavioral and social research on aging in Asia. Aging in Asia: Findings from New and Emerging Data Initiatives is a peer-reviewed collection of papers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand that were presented at two conferences organized in conjunction with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, Indonesian Academy of Sciences, and Science Council of Japan; the first conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, and the second conference was hosted by the Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi. The papers in the volume highlight the contributions from new and emerging data initiatives in the region and cover subject areas such as economic growth, labor markets, and consumption; family roles and responsibilities; and labor markets and consumption.
ageing population policies sociology: Introduction to Sociology 2e Nathan J. Keirns, Heather Griffiths, Eric Strayer, Susan Cody-Rydzewski, Gail Scaramuzzo, Sally Vyain, Tommy Sadler, Jeff D. Bry, Faye Jones, 2015-03-17 This text is intended for a one-semester introductory course.--Page 1.
ageing population policies sociology: The Longevity Economy Joseph F. Coughlin, 2017-11-07 Oldness: a social construct at odds with reality that constrains how we live after middle age and stifles business thinking on how to best serve a group of consumers, workers, and innovators that is growing larger and wealthier with every passing day. Over the past two decades, Joseph F. Coughlin has been busting myths about aging with groundbreaking multidisciplinary research into what older people actually want -- not what conventional wisdom suggests they need. In The Longevity Economy, Coughlin provides the framing and insight business leaders need to serve the growing older market: a vast, diverse group of consumers representing every possible level of health and wealth, worth about $8 trillion in the United States alone and climbing. Coughlin provides deep insight into a population that consistently defies expectations: people who, through their continued personal and professional ambition, desire for experience, and quest for self-actualization, are building a striking, unheralded vision of longer life that very few in business fully understand. His focus on women -- they outnumber men, control household spending and finances, and are leading the charge toward tomorrow's creative new narrative of later life -- is especially illuminating. Coughlin pinpoints the gap between myth and reality and then shows businesses how to bridge it. As the demographics of global aging transform and accelerate, it is now critical to build a new understanding of the shifting physiological, cognitive, social, family, and psychological realities of the longevity economy.

ageing population policies sociology

Ageing Population Policies: A Sociological Analysis

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