On the Demography of Aging

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the contributions of demography to gerontology or the demography of aging. The major interests of gerontological demographers and outstanding issues and problems are discussed in terms of the process of aging. Problems of definition of old age and aging are noted in terms of: 1) the lack of a universally acceptable definition of normal biological aging and 2) the variance of cultural definitions of old age. The demographer usually defines old age by age boundaries but recent advances have begun to define old age in terms of longevity e.g. the number of years until death. This concept has certain economic social legal and ethical implications. For instance a chronically ill person could claim the benefits of old-age legislation at a younger age than a healthy person. Demography of aging is grounded in the theory of growth and structure of population. Many studies have shown that in the aging of populations fertility is the determining factor not mortality. Contrary to popular belief the next several decades will see that the past record of births is expected to dominate the changes in the future numbers of elderly. Mortality declines will play a secondary role. Given current trends it is possible that the United States will see unprecedented high levels (17%) of elderly people. One of the most important facts and problems of the older years in industrialized countries is the large excess of women which leads to problems of isolation for many elderly women. Mortality and longevity are important in the demography of aging. Key issues are: 1) the analysis of factors in past declines in fertility rates 2) the possibilities and prospects of extending life expectancy and span 3) the problem of measuring socioeconomic differentials in mortality and 4) the possibilities of reducing group differences. Demographers continue to hold an interest in the differences in the variation between death rates and the variation between the life expectancy values. Demographers study the health status of the elderly the health care delivery system the allocation of resources for health care and the relation between morbidity and mortality. Geographic distribution and mobility of the elderly are also important to demographers. Gerontological demographers are particularly interested in measurement and analysis of the life cycle. They measure age period and cohort factors which affect the life cycle and construct multiple decrement tables which are useful to analyzing labor force participation migration expectancy and family formation and dissolution. One principal area in which demography and geronotology converge is in the study of marital composition and living arrangements of the elderly as well as the family cycle. Societal dependency measurements work experience and retirement prospects are also important areas of study.

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