FRHD 4250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Gerontology, Old Age, Geriatrics
9 Aug 2017
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The study of health and aging - week one. : old varies over time, culture & situation. Today, 65+ would be considered old; 200 years ago, 50+ might be considered old. Most elders do not consider themselves old until they become sick or dependent on others. Age at what one is considered old , may depend on age of person defining old". A child might consider 20+ to be old, a teenager may consider 40+ old, or a 70 year old, an 80+ old. Some gerontologist make distinctions between young-old (65-74) & the old-old (75+), because of significant differences b/t the groups. Young-old more vigorous, higher incomes, more likely to be married, & have less health problems than the old-old. The study of aging: gerontology describes the study of aging, a multidisciplinary field with a major focus on the biological, behavioural & social sciences. Geriatrics is the medical care of elderly, changes that occur with age-specific diseases.
