Demographic aging refers to the shift of the age structure or age distribution of a population as the population moves towards older ages. The effect of demographic aging is a decline in fertility transition, reduced mortality rate of older persons, increased dependency ratio and a shrinking labor force.
Historians see a great divide between the traditional and modern view of aging. In traditional societies, families maintained closer ties for their entire lives. Besides, the people kept childhood friendships active as they moved into old age and community members integrated. Cultural values entrenched a strong respect for the elderly, which called for their caring and protection. On the contrary, the modern view of aging presents a greater level of segregation of aging people, which has borne senior citizens homes. Besides, individuality and tough economic times have put modern families away from the family bond as each of the family members fends for him/herself leaving the aging populations to the mercy of the government.
Anthropological studies show that hunter/gatherer societies enjoyed an extensive longevity and most of them lived between 68-78years of age. Both men and women in the hunter/gatherer societies felt comfortable aging within their social systems such as primary kin.
The Neolithic revolution was a turning point in the evolution of man. In particular, it turned the aging population from being hunters and gatherers to farmers and domesticators of animals. Besides, growing crops and rearing animals; people began living in sedentary settlements and forming communities and nurturing neighborliness.
Theories explaining the length of human lifespan
Freud’s psychosexual theory
The theory describes the various stages of human life development from childhood to adulthood. The theory is based on case studies collected by Freud to predict future life development from the childhood.
ii. Erikson’s psychosexual theory
The theory describes the effect of social encounters across an individual’s lifespan. Ego identity changes as a person continue to interact more in their lifespan.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the art of using traditional medicine to invigorate the body during aging process as a man goes through palliative diseases. Communities that use Ayurveda belief that it was a traditional medicine meant to ensure that man enjoys good health and longevity.
Filial piety
Is a Confucian philosophy that requires men to respect their parents, ancestors and aging population. A son born from a family is expected to show loyalty and obedience to the parents during their entire lifetime.
Gerousia
Gerousia refers to a traditional Spartan council of elders charged with the responsibility of preparing the business to be transacted in the assembly known as apella. Besides, the gerousia enjoyed wide judicial powers being the sole judicial body for passing judgments. The elders known as gerontes were 30 in number including the king chosen to serve for life through acclamation.
De senectute
De senectute is an article written by Cicero about the aging and death. Cicero gives the aging population hope by reassuring them about life after death.
