Age plays a significant role in American society, categorizing and distinguishing individuals according to their age group, which in turn influences social behavior. Age determines when a person is expected to achieve certain milestones, such as getting married or having children. For example, someone who graduates college in their twenties and starts a family is often viewed more favorably than someone who does so in their thirties or forties. However, these expectations can vary depending on an individual's background, including their religion and ethnicity.
Age comes with both perks and penalties. For instance, infants have less control than adults, but their control and power increase as they grow older. Conversely, as people age, their control and power often decline. Older adults may face limitations in employment opportunities, earnings, and the number of hours they can work. These challenges can vary depending on one's profession; for example, newscasters and actors may feel the effects of aging more acutely than accountants.
From a young age, American society is acutely aware of age, which is why "How old are you?" is a common question in daily conversations. Since age is a socially constructed concept, children are taught to look forward to specific ages in their lives when they can gain personal control over certain aspects of life. For example, age thirteen is significant, not only because it marks the beginning of adolescence but also because it is the legal age for using the internet in many contexts. This age also intersects with other aspects of social identity; in Jewish culture, for instance, thirteen is the age at which Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are held.
Adults, on the other hand, rarely mention their age or inquire about their friends' ages. Social expectations dictate that it is impolite to ask an adult woman her age, as aging in women is often surrounded by negativity. However, after the age of seventy, adults are more likely to freely mention their age, even without being asked.
Ageism in the Workplace
Ageism, or discrimination based on age, is a systemic issue in the workplace, particularly during intergenerational interactions between baby boomers, Generation X, and younger generations. Each cohort has its own needs, ideals, and values, leading to potential conflicts. For instance, while baby boomers might prioritize health benefits, younger generations may be more interested in remote work opportunities and increased vacation time.
Another area of concern related to age is sexuality. As LGBTQ+ individuals age, they contribute to the diversity of the American population, but they often face unique challenges, such as the absence of children. Additionally, race plays a role in age-related matters, with younger people being more racially diverse than the older, predominantly white population.
Factors Shaping the Concept of Age in the U.S.
Several factors have shaped the concept of age in the United States. First, medical and scientific knowledge has highlighted the decline of physical and mental functions with age. Second, the emergence of large industries that replaced craft shops, which were traditionally run by older white males who controlled society, contributed to a societal aversion to old age. Younger workers were willing to work for lower wages, further marginalizing the elderly.
The deficit model of aging and the concept of "second childhood" have also portrayed older people as burdensome, leading to the social problem of old age. This resulted in the creation of nursing homes, retirement villages, and other segregated facilities, with race, cultural traditions, and social class determining who entered these homes. In response, the field of gerontology, or the study of aging, prompted the government to enact legislative measures to support the elderly. The Social Security Act of 1935, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 are some of the laws that protect the elderly and ensure federal funding for social services programs.
Challenges Despite Legislation
Despite these laws, age discrimination persists in the workplace. Organizations are often reluctant to hire older applicants, viewing them as expensive due to healthcare costs and training needs, and less productive. Similarly, older employees are often the first to be let go during organizational downsizing or restructuring. However, when older workers leave, organizations lose valuable experience, loyalty, and maturity, qualities that are often lacking in younger generations.
This chapter highlights why age matters in American society. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, the government faces significant challenges in managing programs like Social Security and Medicare. The federal budget will be strained, and economic growth may slow as the workforce declines . This situation demands collective action from all leaders, similar to the efforts made in 1935 and 1965 to shape the future of the United States.
Aging and its Social Implications
The chapter also illustrates how old age is often associated with illness, poverty, and increased reliance on nursing homes. While the media is sometimes criticized for its negative portrayal of old age, there is some truth to these concerns. For example, the demand for healthcare services among the elderly is high and is expected to rise due to obesity rates and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, divorce rates and the number of elderly individuals living alone are also on the rise .
Age and Politics
One intriguing aspect of this chapter is the apparent disconnect between age and its negative connotations in certain fields. Politicians, for example, seem immune to the "heat" of aging. The current President is an octogenarian, yet he is considering running for another term. This raises questions about whether his physical and mental health will be up to the task. The U.S. Congress is also filled with older individuals . However, it is puzzling why they are not more proactive in advocating for programs that benefit their senior counterparts.
Age comes with both perks and penalties. For instance, infants have less control than adults, but their control and power increase as they grow older. Conversely, as people age, their control and power often decline. Older adults may face limitations in employment opportunities, earnings, and the number of hours they can work. These challenges can vary depending on one's profession; for example, newscasters and actors may feel the effects of aging more acutely than accountants.
From a young age, American society is acutely aware of age, which is why "How old are you?" is a common question in daily conversations. Since age is a socially constructed concept, children are taught to look forward to specific ages in their lives when they can gain personal control over certain aspects of life. For example, age thirteen is significant, not only because it marks the beginning of adolescence but also because it is the legal age for using the internet in many contexts. This age also intersects with other aspects of social identity; in Jewish culture, for instance, thirteen is the age at which Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are held.
Adults, on the other hand, rarely mention their age or inquire about their friends' ages. Social expectations dictate that it is impolite to ask an adult woman her age, as aging in women is often surrounded by negativity. However, after the age of seventy, adults are more likely to freely mention their age, even without being asked.
Ageism in the Workplace
Ageism, or discrimination based on age, is a systemic issue in the workplace, particularly during intergenerational interactions between baby boomers, Generation X, and younger generations. Each cohort has its own needs, ideals, and values, leading to potential conflicts. For instance, while baby boomers might prioritize health benefits, younger generations may be more interested in remote work opportunities and increased vacation time.
Another area of concern related to age is sexuality. As LGBTQ+ individuals age, they contribute to the diversity of the American population, but they often face unique challenges, such as the absence of children. Additionally, race plays a role in age-related matters, with younger people being more racially diverse than the older, predominantly white population.
Factors Shaping the Concept of Age in the U.S.
Several factors have shaped the concept of age in the United States. First, medical and scientific knowledge has highlighted the decline of physical and mental functions with age. Second, the emergence of large industries that replaced craft shops, which were traditionally run by older white males who controlled society, contributed to a societal aversion to old age. Younger workers were willing to work for lower wages, further marginalizing the elderly.
The deficit model of aging and the concept of "second childhood" have also portrayed older people as burdensome, leading to the social problem of old age. This resulted in the creation of nursing homes, retirement villages, and other segregated facilities, with race, cultural traditions, and social class determining who entered these homes. In response, the field of gerontology, or the study of aging, prompted the government to enact legislative measures to support the elderly. The Social Security Act of 1935, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 are some of the laws that protect the elderly and ensure federal funding for social services programs.
Challenges Despite Legislation
Despite these laws, age discrimination persists in the workplace. Organizations are often reluctant to hire older applicants, viewing them as expensive due to healthcare costs and training needs, and less productive. Similarly, older employees are often the first to be let go during organizational downsizing or restructuring. However, when older workers leave, organizations lose valuable experience, loyalty, and maturity, qualities that are often lacking in younger generations.
This chapter highlights why age matters in American society. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, the government faces significant challenges in managing programs like Social Security and Medicare. The federal budget will be strained, and economic growth may slow as the workforce declines . This situation demands collective action from all leaders, similar to the efforts made in 1935 and 1965 to shape the future of the United States.
Aging and its Social Implications
The chapter also illustrates how old age is often associated with illness, poverty, and increased reliance on nursing homes. While the media is sometimes criticized for its negative portrayal of old age, there is some truth to these concerns. For example, the demand for healthcare services among the elderly is high and is expected to rise due to obesity rates and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, divorce rates and the number of elderly individuals living alone are also on the rise .
Age and Politics
One intriguing aspect of this chapter is the apparent disconnect between age and its negative connotations in certain fields. Politicians, for example, seem immune to the "heat" of aging. The current President is an octogenarian, yet he is considering running for another term. This raises questions about whether his physical and mental health will be up to the task. The U.S. Congress is also filled with older individuals . However, it is puzzling why they are not more proactive in advocating for programs that benefit their senior counterparts.
