Category: Writing

Pick one country that you are especially interested in, and
find out what kinds of policies or programs are in place for older people in
that country. Who is eligible for the programs? Does the welfare state play a
dominant role? Would the welfare state come into conflict with the traditional
values of the country you are studying?

The idea that there is a demographic imperative that can
compel political and policy solutions to population aging was presented (and
criticized) in Chapter 3. Economic, political, and cultural factors play a role
in any decisions or plans that might be considered. As you think about the
demographics of global aging, what role do you think such information does and
should have in planning for aging societies?

1. What would you list as the most important aging issues
facing developing nations? What would be the issues on your list for developed
nations? Why?
2. What lessons can the United States learn from other
nations with respect to programs and services for older people?

Does it make sense to have minimum ages mandated for running
for political offices? Would you suggest that we have maximum ages for holding
high office? If so, what age would you suggest, and why would it be the
relevant one to choose?

Think about or discuss with others the reasons people choose
to vote or not to vote (including reasons not to register). What are the major
themes that appear to be central for young adults compared to people of other
ages? Can you identify any strategies that might accomplish what political
parties have tried in recent decades—to get out the “youth vote”? What are the
implications for public policy if fewer young than older people continue to
vote in upcoming elections as the population ages?

What do you think are the most important health policy
issues facing our aging nation? What are the most important health policy
issues in older people’s lives? What are the greatest challenges to our health
care system?

Look in your local telephone directory for physicians who
specialize in geriatrics. Are there many of them compared to other specialties?
Do you know an older person who sees a geriatrician? How does geriatric
medicine better fit the needs of an older person than more traditional
approaches?

Consider the ways in which individual choices and behaviors
affect health and the ways in which social and cultural conditions play a role.
Can you give an example of an individual health behavior that is not influenced
by social and cultural factors?

Picture two older people you know, one who is very healthy
and active and one who is in poor health and quite frail. Can you explain why
they are so different? What life circumstances, individual choices, or random
events helped to influence their health today?

Imagine yourself at a family gathering where your Uncle
Charles asks about your classes this semester. When he hears that you are
taking a course in aging, he lets you know in no uncertain terms that he thinks
older people are selfish and a huge drain on the economy, living comfortably and
demanding more than their fair share while giving back nothing. What response
would you make to him?