SOC 304
WEEK 1
DQ 1:
Discuss the differences
between activity theory and disengagement theory.
Compare and contrast
one of the other theories mentioned in the chapter (i.e., modernization,
exchange theory, subcultural theory of aging, etc.) to activity theory and
disengagement theory.
Discuss how the theory
that you selected differs from the activity and disengagement theories of
aging.
Contact a person who
would fall into one of the categories of old age (i.e., young old, middle old,
or oldest old) and interview them about how their lives have changed since they
reached the milestone of being an older adult. In your post, include a brief
synopsis of what you learned with regard to that person’s activities,
illnesses, social support networks, and employment situation. Based upon your
informed opinion, which theory (or theories) provides the best theoretical
framework for understanding the process of aging for the person that you
interviewed? Be sure to support your answer.
DQ 2: For this
discussion, you will need to read Chapters 1 and 2 in your textbook. In
addition, you will need to review pages 10 through 13 of Handbook of Aging and
the Social Sciences and pages 62 and 63 of Aging, Society, and the Life Course.
As your textbook notes,
historical events can have different impacts depending upon one’s age cohort.
Historical events like the Great Depression, World Wars, and pandemics have had
a marked impact on the life course of individuals. How have the social and demographic
changes of the last century led to the increased growth and aging of the
population? Be sure to discuss this in terms of the demographic transition
theory.
How do you expect the
current worldwide economic downturn that was discussed in Chapter 2 of your
textbook to impact those living in this era? Be sure to explain how this event
is expected to influence the life course of the young old, the middle old, and
the oldest old.
Your initial post
should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from
the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite
any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
WEEK 2
DQ 1: After reading
about the physical impairments related to age in Chapter 4 of the textbook and
watching “Aging,” visit “Sociology of Aging: Age Related Impairments: A
Simulation Exercise” and select at least two of the impairments that are listed
in the exercise. After selecting the impairments that you will be simulating, use
the household items that are listed and proceed with carrying out your normal
tasks around your home. Then, describe which impairments you simulated and what
you experienced. Answer the following questions:
What was it like to
complete your tasks with the selected impairments?
What were the
difficulties that you encountered while completing your tasks? Were any of
those difficulties unexpected?
Have your thoughts or
attitudes about older adults who have the impairments that you selected changed
as a result of this exercise? Why or why not?
After having reviewed
the required resources for this discussion, which of the major biological
theories on aging do you think best explains the impairments that you
simulated? Be sure to support your answer.
Your initial post
should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from
the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite
any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
DQ 2: Self-Concept in
Old Age
In Chapter 5 of your
textbook, you learned about the self-concept, which is how an individual thinks
of herself or himself. Although the self-concept is something that is
established early in life, it changes as one grows older through life experiences.
After reading the chapter, address the following :
Discuss the experiences
that an individual may have in her or his later years that may alter that
person’s self-concept. Be sure to discuss experiences that would both
positively and negatively impact her or his self-esteem.
Discuss how your own
self-concept may change as your physical capabilities are decreased. Be sure to
explain what positive and negative aspects you expect to encounter as part of
your aging experience.
Your initial post should
be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the
required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any
references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
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