LibGuides: GER310: Module 1 Resources

Module 1 Required Resources

Textbook

Your course textbook can be accessed via the DART eBook link in the Getting Started module.

Hillier, S. M. & Barrow, G. M. (2015). Aging, the Individual, and Society. (10th Ed.).

Chapter 1. Aging in America: This chapter introduces the field of gerontology and the significance of studying aging as a social phenomenon. This chapter discusses the historical context of aging, demographic trends, and the increasing importance of gerontological research in addressing the needs of an aging population. Key concepts such as life expectancy, the aging population's impact on society, and the roles of various disciplines in understanding aging are highlighted.

Chapter 2. Stereotypes and Images explore the pervasive stereotypes and societal attitudes surrounding aging and older adults. It examines how ageism manifests in attitudes, language, and behaviors, and discusses the detrimental effects these stereotypes can have on the well-being and self-perception of older individuals. This chapter emphasizes the need to challenge negative stereotypes and highlights the importance of promoting a more positive and realistic understanding of aging, showcasing the diversity and richness of experiences among older adults.

Chapter 3. Social and Psychological Theories in Later Life Development. The lesson here focuses on the stereotypes associated with aging and how these perceptions influence societal attitudes and individual experiences. We examine ageism, its manifestations, and the impact it has on the lives of older adults. This chapter encourages readers to critically evaluate common stereotypes, providing evidence that challenges negative perceptions and highlighting the diversity of experiences among older populations.

Module 1 Optional Resources

Government Resources

Administration on Aging
The Administration on Aging (AOA), the principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, is designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) promoting the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. The Act also empowers the federal government to distribute funds to the states for supportive services for individuals over the age of 60.
Population Aging in the United States (infographics)
The participating agencies of the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics (Forum) collaborated to produce point-in-time (as of Dec 1, 2022) inventory of data and resources that reflect the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of older Americans. It is intended to be a guide that can provide insight on this very relevant and timely topic.

Videos

FRONTLINE PBS. (2023). Aging in the U.S. (full documentary) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMDsUdhymbQ

Administration for Community Living. (2024). ACL finalizes updated Older Americans Act regulations [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/mOVpbV4Pyks?si=VI5ZJbo3BJpXc0qf

Articles

How Discrimination in Health Care Affects Older Americans, and What Health Systems and Providers Can Do.
How Discrimination in Health Care Affects Older Americans, and What Health Systems and Providers Can Do. (2022).Issue Brief (Commonwealth Fund), 1–7.
Experiences of Everyday Ageism and the Health of Older US Adults
Allen, J. O., Solway, E., Kirch, M., Singer, D., Kullgren, J. T., Moïse, V., & Malani, P. N. (2022). Experiences of everyday ageism and the health of older US adults. JAMA Network Open, 5(6), e2217240.
Stereotypes of Aging: Their Effects on the Health of Older Adults
A. Dionigi R. Stereotypes of aging: Their effects on the health of older adults. Journal of Geriatrics. 2015;2015(1).
Stereotypes of older Adults: Development and Evaluation of an Updated Stereotype Content and Strength Survey
Carlson, K. J., Black, D. R., Holley, L. M., & Coster, D. C. (2020). Stereotypes of older adults: Development and evaluation of an updated stereotype content and strength survey. The Gerontologist, 60(5), e347–e356.
The Impact of Aging Policy on Societal Age Stereotypes and Ageism
Ng, R., Chow, T. Y. J., & Yang, W. (2022). The impact of aging policy on societal age stereotypes and ageism. The Gerontologist, 62(4), 598–606.

eBooks

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Capability in Age and Ageing
Hanna Falk Erhag, Ulrika Lagerlöf Nilsson, Therese Rydberg Sterner, & Ingmar Skoog. (2022). A Multidisciplinary approach to capability in age and ageing. Springer.
Ageism in a cross-cultural perspective: Reflections from the research field. In Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism
Ageism in a cross-cultural perspective: Reflections from the research field. In Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism. (2018).