Key Terms
Gerontology
Scientific study of the aging process and its challenges.
Social gerontology
The sociological branch of gerontology; focuses on the social experience of aging, mental and physical wellbeing, and ad
Cohort
A group sharing a statistical or demographic trait. Age cohorts = people born in the same time frame.
Life expectancy
The average number of years a person born today can expect to live.
Dependency ratio
Non-working citizens divided by working citizens.
Graying of America
The growing percentage of the U.S. population over age 65.
Baby Boomers
The cohort born 1946-1964. Now the primary driver of the aging U.S.
Filial piety
Deference and respect toward parents and ancestors in all things; a key cultural value in China and parts of Asia that s
Young-old
Ages 65-74 Middle-old: ages 75-84 Old-old: ages 85+
China
13.3% of its population is already over 60. By 2050, that climbs to nearly one-third.
Boomers undersaved
Most have saved around $144,000. Experts recommend saving 10x your annual income before retiring.
Social Security risk
Economists warn the system could collapse by 2037 if nothing changes. A possible fix: raising retirement age (similar to
Life course
The full period from birth to death, including predictable life events. Life expectancy: average years a newborn is expe
Primary aging
Biological changes at the cellular and molecular level. Unavoidable.
Secondary aging
Changes caused by controllable factors — poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking. Avoidable.