Structural-Symbolic Interaction Theory And The Elderly

. To know that the U.S. population consisting of people older than sixty-five, will reach nearly seventeen percent by the year 2020 is alarming, since the Gerontology field is expected to be insufficient in dealing with such a large aging society. The disproportion of people over sixty-five years of age in the Midwest compared to other parts of the U.S., is a result of younger people relocating to seek employment. The categories of the elderly aids in the diversity of the elderly. Meaning, since each level corresponds to an age group, each group may socialize in a different manner. Additionally, each category or level of the elderly requires varying degrees of support. Having said that, it is important to mention that gender, race, class and ethnicity also figures into the diversity of the elderly. Numerous elderly people cannot reside where they want or receive adequate care due to issues such as, social inequality and discrimination. Finally, since …show more content…
Symbolic-Interaction Theory contends that remaining active, as well as socially active (and Activity Theory), offers greater personal gratification when growing older. Moreover, Social-Conflict Theory targets the limitation of resources and freedoms attainable by the older population or more commonly, age stratification. An example of age stratification includes replacing aging employees with younger employees. However, elders have benefited from things such as political gain, which has improved their social standing. Feminist Theory targets the disadvantages such as gender stratification, faced by aging women. While, Intersection Theory expounds on Feminist Theory by examining the role ethnicity, gender stratification and race plays regarding the disadvantages faced by aging