Discussion Post: The Sociology of Aging
• What is meant by the life course perspective? Why is old age not fully understood "unless we understand it as part of the entire course of human life"?
• How is looking at old age from the life course perspective different from looking at old age as a separate period of life?
• Describe the ways in which our changing perceptions of time have altered the way we think about aging and the life course.
• Why is the disengagement theory of aging criticized by some contemporary gerontologists?
• Compare and contrast images of aging in electronic media, mythic/religious literature, and early Western literature.
• Describe the options that are available for dealing with the Struldbrugg problem, that is, a prolonged period of frailty and dependency at the end of life. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Which option would you support, and why?
• What challenges might our society face with respect to long-term care if all diseases were eliminated?
• Many people fear the prospect of having to live in a nursing home. Discuss some reasons for this prevalent fear, whether or not this fear is realistic, and the conditions under which living in such a setting may be appropriate.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.