This blog is a capstone project for my Health Science 410:Health and Aging course at Boise State University. As my final undergraduate semester at BSU, I have decided to enroll in two courses that deal specifically with aging; this one, Health and Aging, as well as the Sociology of Aging. The aging process is usually something that one fears. A lot of this fear comes from stereotypes that we have been brought up on within our culture.
As a woman, I have been brought up to never WANT to age. How have I been influenced? Every time I turn on the TV, there is some new product that helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles, a tale-tale sign of aging. The media has made it seem like men only want young, youthful women instead of women their own age. For example, a TV show, movie, or even a song may tell the story of a middle aged couple getting divorced and then the man suddenly has this beautiful woman on his arm, who has no signs of aging. The one that really gets me is plastic surgery. Not that I condone this type of thing because I know it really helps people feel better about themselves (and hey, I may have some of these things done in the future!) However, it is the reasons behind SOME of their surgery. "You've had children? Well, you probably need to have your breasts lifted and lets get rid of the that tummy with a tummy tuck." These things make today's women feel like the more they age, the less and less they are attractive leading to low self-esteem. Of course, this is not always the case.
Looking deeper into the topic of aging, when you look around how many older people do you see compared to younger people? The Baby Boomers are aging. Here are some statistics for you:
In 2006, 37 million people were 65+ years of age but by 2050, it is expected 86.7 million people will be 65+ years in age (Novak, 2012). If this statement did not affect you, read it again. Our society is getting old. This is a big deal. With the elections coming up, who do you think is listening to find which candidate is going to help them with Medicare and Social Security benefits? You better believe that these aging baby boomers will be voting that candidate in. That means less money for the rest of the country that does not receive those benefits however, it would be benefiting the majority.
The healthcare industry is about to either blossom or explode. With this large amount of people aging, there will be a greater need for doctors, nurses, specialist to deal with chronic conditions as well as so many other things. If the country starts expanding NOW, I think, healthcare would just blossom. If the country neglects this information, our healthcare industry will crumble.
In my blogs I will talk about a vast number of topics ranging from nursing homes to the sexuality of the aging population. This is my way of revealing aging as I learn the facts and leave my prior cultural misunderstandings behind me. Some blogs will be short and to the point if I read something and want to immediately write my views on the topic. Other blogs will be reflections on my time spent in interviews with those who have aged. Some things will be my personal opinion and it is okay if not everyone agrees with me. I encourage comments and feedback if you have any insights on the topics or want to bring something to my attention.
Until next time,
Adrienne
Novak, M. (2012). Issues in Aging. (3 ed., p. 61). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
