Aging, Health, and Medicine

This chapter about Aging, Health, and Medicine talks about how getting older affects us in many ways, including our bodies, our minds, our relationships, and even our place in society. Researchers use different theories to explain these kinds of changes, such as the idea that older adults should step back to make room for younger generations to thrive (disengagement theory), or the view that staying active helps people age more positively (active theory). Even though people today are living longer than ever, not everyone has the same opportunities for good health. Factors like poverty, poor diets, and limited access to care make a big difference in someone's life expectancy. Health is more than just not being sick, it’s about overall well-being for the mental, physical, and social parts of life. While Medicine is the system that works to prevent and treat illnesses. Sociologists study how health care works, pointing out issues like inequality, power balances, and the ways society labels people as “sick” or “healthy.” Despite great medical progress, there are still many challenges, such as unequal access to care, shortages of providers, and mistakes in hospitals that put patients at risk.

Sociologists view health through three major perspectives. Functionalism sees good health and reliable medical care as vital for society’s stability, with patients expected to take on the “sick role” so they can recover and return to their responsibilities. Conflict theory highlights how social inequality affects the health of less privileged citizens, showing that people from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to become ill and less likely to receive quality health care. Symbolic interactionism looks at the regular meaning of health and illness, focusing on how conditions are defined by society and how physicians use authority in their interactions with patients. Altogether, these perspectives reveal how health is not only a personal issue but also deeply affected by social forces. 

According to the CDC, about 6.7 million older adults in the U.S. live with Alzheimer’s disease, a number expected to nearly double to 14 million by 2060 (CDC). Alzheimer’s was the 7th leading cause of death for all adults in 2022 and the 6th for those 65 and older (CDC). Emergency department (ED) visits rise pertaining to the specific age: 11.9 per 1,000 adults ages 65–74, 45.7 for ages 75–84, and 148.0 for ages 85 and older (CDC). Women have higher ED visit rates than men, and Black non-Hispanic older adults have the highest rates compared with non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics (CDC). Mortality has also increased over time, with women showing higher rates than men from 1999 to 2019 (CDC). These differences by age, sex, and race/ethnicity show that Alzheimer’s is both a medical and social issue, relative to the access to care, early diagnosis, and living conditions of the patients. 

Aging Matters in Brevard is a nonprofit organization based in Brevard County, FL. Their mission is to support seniors by helping them live independently, stay healthy, safe, and have a good quality of life. They run programs like Meals on Wheels, home care, caregiver resources, transportation services, senior housing, and more. These services are very important, especially for older adults who may have limited mobility, who don’t drive, or who need help with daily tasks. Overall, this is a great organization that provides valuable care for any senior citizens that need it. 

References:

Aging, Health, and Medicine.pdf: 202540-SYG-2010-21Z-40363-Social Problems

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | CDC

Home - Aging Matters In Brevard | Senior Services

Caption: Here, the seniors get to actively participate in gardening together. Staying active and connected is an important part of healthy aging. Gardening together not only promotes physical health but also strengthens social bonds and mental well-being. They are able to get fresh air and enjoy company with themselves and caretakers.