Week 1
Komp, K. & Aartsen, M. (2013). Introduction: Older People under the Magnifying
Glass. In: Komp, K. & Aartsen, M. (Eds.), Old age in Europe (1-13). New York:
Springer.
http://link.springer.com.proxy-ub.rug.nl/book/10.1007/978-94-007-6134-6
Purpose and Scope of the Chapter
Objective: This introductory chapter discusses how societal views and
scientific perspectives on old age have evolved, especially in Europe. Komp
and Aartsen aim to provide an overview of the book’s content and the
various dimensions of aging that will be addressed.
Focus on Diversity: The authors emphasize that aging is not a uniform
process. Aging experiences vary greatly due to cultural, social, economic,
and health factors, all of which impact individuals' lives as they grow older.
Main Themes
Complexity of Aging: Aging is described as a multi-dimensional process
that includes physical, psychological, and social changes. This complexity
requires examining older adults from various perspectives to fully
understand their challenges and needs.
Social Perspectives on Aging: The chapter highlights that societal
attitudes towards aging influence the way older people are treated, how
they view themselves, and the resources available to them. This includes
both positive and negative stereotypes, which shape policies and
individual experiences.
European Context of Aging: Europe’s demographic shift towards an
older population is significant. The authors note that the growing
proportion of elderly individuals has led to heightened interest in studying
old age from economic, social, and policy perspectives. Europe is described
as a "laboratory" for understanding aging due to its high rate of population
aging and the resulting policy innovations.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Komp and Aartsen stress the importance of
an interdisciplinary approach to studying old age, which incorporates
sociology, psychology, health sciences, and public policy. This approach
allows for a holistic understanding of aging that can better address the
needs of the elderly population.
Methodological Considerations
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: The authors advocate for
combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Quantitative data can provide insight into large trends, while qualitative
data offers deeper understanding of individual experiences.
Outline of Book’s Structure
Topics Covered: The book is structured to cover bio-gerontology, social
gerontology, economic challenges, and the policy implications of an aging
population in Europe. Each chapter offers insights from experts in these
fields to shed light on the unique experiences of elderly Europeans.
,Ankri, J. & Cassou, B. (2013). Bio- and Health Gerontology: How Ageing Changes
our Bodies. In: Komp, K. & Aartsen, M. (Eds.), Old age in Europe (15-28). New
York: Springer.
http://link.springer.com.proxy-ub.rug.nl/book/10.1007/978-94-007-6134-6
Overview and Scope
Focus: This chapter examines the biological and health aspects of aging,
discussing how the aging process affects the body at a cellular, systemic,
and functional level. Ankri and Cassou provide an overview of common
physiological changes and health challenges associated with aging,
explaining how these changes impact daily life and health care needs.
Key Biological Changes in Aging
Cellular Aging: Aging is a result of accumulated cellular damage,
influenced by factors such as oxidative stress and genetic programming.
This cellular damage contributes to the overall decline in bodily function
and resilience.
Physical Decline: The authors outline key changes in various systems of
the body, including:
o Musculoskeletal System: Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and
bone density (osteoporosis) increases the risk of fractures and
physical disabilities.
o Cardiovascular System: Aging causes blood vessels to become
less elastic and may lead to increased blood pressure and a higher
risk of cardiovascular disease.
o Respiratory System: Lung function declines, making breathing
less efficient and increasing the vulnerability to respiratory illnesses.
o Immune System: The immune system weakens
(immunosenescence), making older adults more susceptible to
infections and slower to recover from illnesses.
o Cognitive Decline: Cognitive abilities such as memory, reasoning,
and processing speed may decline, though the extent and onset
vary among individuals. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia are also more common in older adults.
Health Challenges and Chronic Illness
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Ankri and Cassou discuss that
aging is accompanied by a higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as
diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and respiratory diseases. Managing these
conditions often requires long-term medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
Impact of Polypharmacy: Older adults are more likely to use multiple
medications (polypharmacy), which increases the risk of adverse drug
reactions and complications. Proper management of medications becomes
a crucial aspect of care.
Functional Impairments: The chapter emphasizes that physical and
cognitive changes can lead to functional impairments that affect an
individual’s ability to live independently. Mobility issues, sensory declines
, (e.g., hearing and vision loss), and difficulties in performing activities of
daily living (ADLs) are discussed as common concerns.
Quality of Life Considerations
Focus on Preventive Care: To improve quality of life, Ankri and Cassou
advocate for preventive measures, including regular exercise, healthy diet,
and social engagement, which can mitigate some effects of aging and
promote better physical and mental health.
Role of Healthcare Systems: Healthcare systems play a significant role
in managing the health of older adults. The authors discuss how health
systems in Europe are increasingly adapting to meet the needs of an aging
population by emphasizing preventive care and chronic disease
management.
Challenges and Implications for Policy
Economic and Social Burden: The chapter concludes by addressing the
economic and social implications of these health challenges, particularly
the increased demand for healthcare resources, long-term care, and
support services. The authors highlight the need for policies that support
healthy aging and provide adequate resources for both preventive care
and chronic disease management.
Conclusion
Integrating Bio- and Social Gerontology: Ankri and Cassou argue that
understanding aging from a biological and health perspective is crucial for
developing effective interventions and policies. They call for collaboration
between bio-gerontology and social gerontology to address the diverse
needs of the aging population comprehensively.
