Unit 2. What is old?

Life is often compartmentalized into times for appropriate activities. Older adults who break free of these invisible rules are often characterized as being exceptional or unique. Abilities to accomplish goals, even when old, are seen as a rare occurrence.

This unit provides an overview of the various ways in which humans grow old or age. Examples of persons who would be considered to have aged well in each of the various ways are presented. Especially important are the implications for leisure professionals gleaned from each example of successful aging.

Key Concepts

Geriatrics, social gerontology Senescence Implicit ageism Explicit ageism On-time/off-time activities Chronological aging Biological aging Psychological aging Social aging Gifts of aging Implications for leisure professional