Learning Tool "Cultural aspects of ageing". Made in the framework of the IENE7 project funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Please, visit www.iene7.eu.

1. MODULE II: CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of ageing

2. Physical aspects of
ageing
Psychological
aspects of ageing
Social aspects of
ageing
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Main issues
of ageing:
Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Summary
Summary
In this module, you will learn about different
aspects of ageing and will understand the older
people’s psychology.
You will also understand how culture influence
the experience and acceptance of ageing.
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

3. Ageing is the process of becoming older.
Populations around the world are rapidly ageing.
Ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human
being over time, encompassing physical, psychological and
social changes.
There is no typical older person. Some 80-year-olds have levels
of physical and mental capacity that compare favorably with 30-
year-olds. Others of the same age may require extensive care
and support for basic activities like dressing and eating.
Ageing presents many challenges. It will increase demand for
primary health care and long-term care, require a larger and
better trained workforce.
Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
What is ageing?
Why do we grow old?
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

4. Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
What is ageing?
To learn more about ageing and how we can extend our
lifespan, see the animation What ageing is.
.
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

5. Physical aspects of ageing
As we age, our bodies go through a lot of changes. On
the outside we change physically, but there are a lot of
internal changes that occur too.
Some changes in the body with ageing:
 Heart works harder
 Skin feels different
 Harder to see and hear
 Teeth and gums change
 Bones become more brittle
 Going to the bathroom
 It’s harder to keep weight down
 Sex life changes, too
Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Physical aspects of
ageing
 To learn more about the changes in the body with
ageing, you may read the article Changes in the
body with Ageing and see also the video
 Normal Changes of Ageing.
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

6. Psychological changes associated with ageing
 Ageism. Older people are sometimes stereotyped as being useless,
diseased, demented and unable to cope. Older people may experience
stereotypes and prejudice from younger people who see them as ‘having
had their lives’.
 Role changes. Most older people enjoy effective social networks with only
one person in five from wich they experience some isolation. For many
people retirement provides more opportunity to socialise with
grandchildren and other family members.
 Loss of partner. Bereavement may result in a range of changes and
losses including role changes. This may cause anxiety and depression.
Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Psychological aspects of
ageing
 If you wish to learn more about the factors affecting
old age like isolation, loneliness , read the article
“10 facts on ageing and health”
 .
• Isolation
• Stereotypes
and prejudice
Role changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
Loneliness
• Loss of partner
• Loss of self-
esteem
Loss of
independence
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

7. Social aspects of ageing
Old age is accompanied by role change and, often, role loss.
Most people can expect transformations in occupational, family, and
community roles, and for many, the number of different roles declines
in later life.
Some of the major contributors to social and psychological
problems for seniors are :
 Loneliness from losing a spouse and friends
 Inability to independently manage regular activities of living
 Difficulty coping and accepting physical changes of aging
 Frustration with ongoing medical problems and increasing number of
medications
 Social isolation as adult children are engaged in their own lives
 Feeling inadequate from inability to continue to work
 Boredom from retirement and lack of routine activities
 Financial stresses from the loss of regular income.
These factors can have a negative impact on overall health of an
older individual.
Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Social aspects of ageing
 If you want to learn more about attitudes of
ageing based on a person’s cultural background,
see the presentation Social aspects of ageing,
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

8. Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Topic 2: Cultural
aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Culture and society can influence our thoughts and experiences around
ageing.
Negative cultural representation of older people remain major barriers to
greater social inclusion for all older citizens
Notion of ‘ageing well’
presumes independence
and active contributions.
Older adults have been
encouraged to disengage
and to be looked after.
The notion of dependency
is seen as more normal,
rather than as a source of
stigma.
 Western societies  Other societies
To learn more about how are the elderly perceived, watch
the video Perception of the Seniors
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

9. Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Task to do
 Comment with your colleagues the questions:
1. With in your culture, what are common perceptions of older
people?
2. If you think these perceptions are unhelpful stereotypes, how
might these perceptions be changed to more accurately reflect
the older population?
 Read the comments from other learners and think about :
1. What differences are there between your culture and theirs?
2. Are there any striking similarities?
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship

10. Module II: CULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE
Cultural aspects of
ageing
Authorship
Summary
What is ageing ?
Physical aspects of ageing
Psychological aspects of ageing
Social aspects of ageing
Cultural aspects of ageing
Conclusions
Authorship
Authors:
Victor Dudau
EDUNET Organisations
Craiova, Romania
Created in the framework of IENE 7 project “Improving communication, intercultural and social
skills for migrants who work as caregivers of elderly people in Europe.”
Please, visit our website ww.iene7.eu or see more
presentations on the IENE7 Youtube channel.
You may also study the Learning resources about
ageing