Bay Shore Walk Group Community Change Initiative

Abstract

If there is one thing that is inevitable in life, it is aging. From the moment one is born, they begin their journey of the end of their lives. Outside of circumstances beyond oneself, a person can choose how long the journey lasts. A person can also choose what activities, passions, and goals to pursue during the journey. It is towards the end of the journey that most people realize the many opportunities they let pass. The regrets of not living a healthier life, a more impactful life, or a more enjoyable life, can weigh a person down in their old age. Such reflection on one’s life along with social pressures can cause an elderly person to withdraw from society. Additionally, the ever-evolving and technologically advancing world we live in today continue to ignore and assume the presence of the aged in its midst. In other words, as one gets older, one becomes more invisible! There are so many issues that the elderly face, and these cannot all be discussed in this paper. However, this paper looks at the possibility of resurrecting the impact, presence, and potential of the elderly in the Bay Shore area, New York, USA. The paper discusses the proposal for initiating a Walk Group for the Elderly in the Bay Shore area. Theoretical underpinnings have been discussed that offer grounds for the commencement of the said project. The Bay Shore demographics give weight to the need for the Walk Group. Finally, the Biblical perspective of aging in a society, forms the basis for the conscious and moral need of the Bay Shore Community to embrace the Walk Group change initiative.

Keywords: Bay Shore, Walk Group, Elderly Health, Community Initiative

Introduction

Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV) Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.

When one thinks of the latest movies and TV shows that are produced and aired, one cannot help but notice the presence of old actors and the roles they played. It is rare, if never, to see old actors given heroic roles or as the main characters in a live story (Cohen, 2009). Often, old people are portrayed as grouchy and constantly irritable with themselves, with life, and with anyone and everything around them (Robinson, Callister,  Magoffin, & Moore, 2007). In North America, much glory is given to youthfulness which is associated with sexuality and beauty. In sitcoms and other comedies, the elderly are often linked to hostility and grumpiness. It is on very rare occasions that the lives of the elderly are seen as full, enjoyable, and as people with much to give to the world, as lovers, employees, or strong pillars in society.

One of the main hindrances to the full understanding of the elderly by society is its lack of insights into aging and the process of aging. Society does not understand aging until it gets to old age itself (Ory, Hoffman, Hawkins, ..et al., 2003). This is different from childhood, where one can look back and reflect on one’s growth and progress. It is therefore, common to have assumptions and myths surrounding aging and the elderly. There are many stereotypes that exist with reference to being elderly. Individuals are more likely to encounter gender and race stereotypes and think critically on the same. However, many people simply accept stereotypes linked to aging without questioning the same (Levy & Banaji, 2002). Every culture has some levels of assumptions and expectations when it comes to aging, and which all form components of socialization.

While the signs of aging are and ought to be a source of pride, there are those that feel embarrassment or shame. Some elderly people attempt at fighting aging appearances using cosmetic surgery. Trzesniewski, Donnellan, & Robins (2003) note that although many seniors state that they are more satisfied with life than they have ever been and that they have stronger self-esteem compared to when they were younger, cultural attitudes make them feel devalued and invisible.

This paper has one key focus in mind: getting the elderly populace at Bay Shore area New York, USA, more visible to its community. The author has identified a single community project that could potentially achieve this goal. The creation of Bay Shore Walk Group is the proposed project that will seek to bring more interaction in the community by involving senior citizens and aiming at the involvement of all residents in the area.

To that end, this paper is sectioned into two key parts. The first part will build a case for the need to have senior citizens as active and visible community dwellers. The section will look at what it means to be elderly with a focus on Baby Boomers and challenges associated with aging. Theoretical perspectives of aging (functionalism, critical sociology, and symbolic interactionism) will also be discussed to shed light on the link between aging and society. Social relations and aging will be discussed to offer insights on how the elderly interact with people in their lives. These sub-topics are essential in painting a picture for the readers and potential stakeholders of the proposed community change, on the general picture of the life of an elderly person.

The second section of the paper will attempt to answer the pertinent question of whether the elderly can contribute to society. Healthy aging in the context of the community will be discussed in reference to the Bay Shore area. This will be followed by introducing the Walk Group proposal for consideration by the local community authorities and stakeholders. A case for implementation of the Walk Group will conclude the last section and this report as well.

PART A

Genesis 6:3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”

1.0 Social Gerontology

Social gerontology refers to the field in gerontology that examines aging in the social context. According to Bond, Coleman, & Peace (1993), the field focuses on developing a wider understanding of the different experiences people have even as they age, such as physical and mental wellbeing as well as concerns related to aging such as the dying process. The field also highlights the fact that aging is more than a physiological process but it also encompasses beliefs and attitudes about the process of aging. As people grow older, they tend to define their age with the greater years as opposed to stating their current age (McAdams, de St Aubin, &Logan, 1993). This is because, most people try as much as possible, to postpone their age by merely regarding it as a phase that will never be reached. Some elderly people go as far as stereotyping people for their own age group (Kornadt & Rothermund, 2012).

The last century has seen a shift in the way people experience aging in North America. In the 1800s and 1900s, most homes were graced with multi-generations, and the wisdom and experiences of the older generations were much revered (Stuifbergen, Van Delden, & Dykstra, 2008). The elderly offered support and wisdom even as they helped raise their grandchildren. It is no longer so in modern society. Families are now more nuclear and the attitudes toward the older generations have gone through a complete metamorphosis to extremes (Van Bremen, 2003) (this will be discussed later in the paper). Large changes in society including modernization and industrialization have contributed to the change in societal attitudes toward the elderly. North & Fiske (2015), state that the impact of modernization and industrialization is realized in the lowering of influence, power, and prestige among the elderly, aspects they originally held a century ago.

The rapid social changes have benefitted and also challenged the elderly. A strong economy in modern society created people that enjoy new prosperity levels (Jackson, 2009). Healthcare and medicine have advanced and have become more reachable which in turn allows for people to live longer than they would otherwise (Seals, Justice, & LaRocca, 2016). However, even as they live longer, the elderly no longer are as essential to their families as they were in the past. The nuclear families of today’s modern society do not find the presence of the elderly in their homes to be an economic benefit, and the same extends to society. Hence, more people are living longer but are finding less relevance in their own families’ lives and in the communities they live in (Gilberts & Ricketts, 2008). This is an issue of concern because every person will at one time get old and will need to experience the closeness and ties they had with family and community. That said it raises the need to have a societal attitude change toward the elderly to one that is conscious of their presence and one that embraces their value as people and as individuals with needs like all other people.

2.0 A Portrait of what it means to be Elderly

Psalms 92:12-14 (NIV). 12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green

The definition of what it means to be elderly differs from one individual to another. Some people define it as a chronological issue, while others term it as a physical health issue (Cavanaugh & Blanchard, 2018). The US government typically categorizes persons that are 65 years and above as elderly (Moon, Guo, & McSorley, 2015). The World Health Organization simply notes that 65 years is the common age globally accepted as elderly but also suggests that a 50-55 years cut-off to be implemented for nations in the semi-periphery of Africa (WHO, 2012). Nevertheless, there is a social construction element in the definitions, both global and local, of nations and individuals on who the elderly are; that is, the common concept that the elderly are a result of people’s interactions in society (Liang & Luo, 2012). This is best exemplified by the adage which states ‘one is as old as one feels.”

The Baby Boomers are of particular importance in this 21^st century as they fall within the age bracket of the elderly (born between 1964 and 1965). The Baby boomers came to age in the early 60s and 70s and represent the first group of generations that had teens and children who had real spending power and hence, were able to influence their own market (Beckett, 2016). The youth-oriented culture was created from the automobiles, movies, fashion, and music commodities for the said generation. As the Baby Boomers age, they have gone on to redefine the meaning of being young, middle-aged, and currently, the elderly. Pruchno (2012) adds that Baby Boomers refuse to age as their grandparents did which has resulted in products designed and marketed to keep off aging effects. The previous generations were considered and referred to as ‘old’ but not so with Baby Boomers who consider themselves to be in the ‘third age’ or ‘later years’ phase of their lives (Pruchno, 2012).

Baby Boomers’ aging has major societal implications. One of the areas it affects is healthcare. As more people turn 65 years, it is expected that the healthcare industry will be affected as the cost increase dramatically (King et al., 2013). The main source of healthcare costs rise is an increase in the population, inflation, and medical advancements such as end-of-life care, imaging and diagnostic techniques, and new drug pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Baby Boomers impact the economy of a country in the healthcare industry and more so in areas of home healthcare services and drug manufacturing (Bierman, 2011). It is argued that most of the healthcare advances can be attributed to the healthcare needs of Baby Boomers. Unlike their predecessors, Baby Boomers do not perceive that turning 65 years can in any way, curtail their active lives; they are unwilling to give up on their leisure activities or work. This perception of their lives means more medical support may be needed to enable the said cohort to live more meaningful, active, and productive lives (Bierman, 2011). This desire to live life to the fullest is driving medical industry innovation to new heights. Healthcare expenditures undergo a dramatic rise in the latter years of life. Hartman et al., (2007) point out that for an average individual, the cost of healthcare increases as much as by a third or a half of total lifetime expenditures in one’s attempt to prolong life.

Additionally, the economic impact that Baby Boomers have is also of significance. Although this cohort made larger incomes than their predecessor generation and even enjoyed standards of living that were higher, they failed to save adequately following lavish expenditure. Baby Boomers failed to save up for their retirement years (Taylor et al., 2014). This leaves the said category of persons with no option but to work part-time or full time after retirement. The lack of retirement investment planning has potential implications on their lives where they could possibly live in poverty, become homeless, or suffer major indebtedness. Children of Baby Boomers are likely to be affected economically even as they are faced with the possibility of taking care of their poor parents who failed to save up for retirement (Willetts, 2010). Hence, as it can be seen, the Baby Boomers generation in every community, including Bay Shore, has the potential to negatively impact the economy if measures are not taken now. One way to do so, as proposed by this community project, is to give or create work opportunities for the elderly Baby Boomers where they can earn incomes to help sustain themselves and ease the economic burden on their children and community as a whole. The proposed Walk Group will offer an opportunity for Baby Boomers and potential employers to interact and form networks. The ideal end result of these networks will be to increase employment among the elderly and boost the economy of the Bay Shore area.

2. 1 Challenges Facing the Elderly

Psalms 90:10 (NIV): Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away

Aging has many challenges, including the loss of one’s independence, age discrimination, and diminished physical ability (Steptoe, Deaton, & Stone, 2015). Senescence refers to the changes that are related to aging including spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, and biological (McHugh & Gil, 2018). Some people can be self-sufficient while others may need care in their elderly stages of life. Finances can also be a major challenge as discussed because most old people are jobless. Cultural misconceptions also predispose the elderly to being stereotyped and ridiculed. Although, the elderly face numerous challenges in life, they need not lose their dignity when entering this phase in life.

2.1.1 Ageism

Ageism refers to prejudice against a person due to their age (Nelson, 2009). Ageism is present in all cultures (Palmore, Branch, & Harris, 2016). Ageist attitudes that are founded on biases and attitudes against the elderly in society reduce the recipients to positions of limitations and inferiority. The severity of ageism can also vary. When it is expressed in the assisted-living healthcare facilities, in healthcare, or in the workplace, the effects can be severe. Ageism can bring a sense of fear in an elderly person regarding losing a job, being dismissed by a physician, or feel a sense of diminished control and power in their daily living (Gullette, 2011). In the past, old age was respected and revered where many societies perceived that its power was held by the older community members (Binstock, 2010). In some countries, the elderly still have a level of power and influence even as their vast knowledge and experiences continue to be respected.

However, in the current modernized world where even the young hold prestige, wealth and status, the social standing of the elderly based solely on chronology is of no much value as it was in the past (Binstock, 2010). In the workplace, corporations are hiring younger executives to oversee older generation employees. Some elderly employees may feel threatened by the shift in leadership and authority roles and may grow concerned for their jobs (Dennis & Thomas, 2007). Rapid technological advancements in the workplace also predispose the elderly to a disadvantage. The need for organizations to hire new skill sets that older people often do not possess the needed skills and threatens the job stability of the said working group (Dennis & Thomas, 2007). This kind of discrimination based on age is inadvertently rampant though steps can be taken to alleviate its impact. Giving the elderly roles in workplaces, where they do not need to interact with challenging technology can help in easing the fear of joblessness (Manyika et al., 2017). Technology advancements will always take place, but so too the need for manual work to be done. Organizations and businesses in the Bay Shore area can begin considering redistributing their manpower based on the abilities and age of their employees. Rather than sending the elderly to early retirement, the community can look into ways that the yet-active elderly can do jobs that require more of skill and less of technology. The Walk Group initiative will help potential employees to front their skills to potential employers. Employers on the other hand, will have the opportunity to interact and brainstorm on which sections of their organizations, businesses, or projects can be contracted out to the elderly in the community, as job opportunities.

2.1.2 Mistreatment and Abuse

Mistreatment and abuse of the aged is a serious concern in society (Buzgova & Ivanova, 2009). Physical frailty is part of aging and this renders the elderly to become dependent on others for care. Elder abuse occurs when a caretaker maliciously harms or deprives an elderly person of the much needed care (Buzgova & Ivanova, 2009). There are many types of elder abuse with the main categories being financial exploitation and abuse; failure for adequate care to be provided; emotional and psychological abuse; sexual abuse including coerced nudity and rape; and physical abuse such as shaking and hitting (Amstadter et al., 2010).

Advocating for the elderly against abuse should be an initiative that communities take (Dong, 2012). Members of a community should be each other’s keepers because as stated over again, each one will get old someday. When a community speaks out for the abused and mistreated, it not only upholds the right of the elderly as persons but also shows that it has a conscious to care for those that need the care. One way of creating elder abuse and mistreatment awareness is through creating a platform where people can report any abuse or victims feel safe to report without repercussions. When a community comes together to address situations such as mistreatment of the elderly, advocacy begins, action is taken, and the vice is curtailed. The Bay Shore Walk Group will provide a platform to introduce the idea of victim advocacy. While still an idea, those that advocate for human rights can be recruited into initiating a program that will focus on protecting the elderly in the community against abuse or mistreatment. This is another arm of the Walk Group that is beyond the scope of this paper and which requires an entire proposal dedicated to it. Nevertheless, the Bay Shore Walk Group will be the first foundation that will birth the awareness of and protection against elder mistreatment and abuse in the community.

3.0 Theoretical Perspectives of Aging

3.1 Functionalism

Functionalism focuses on the different societal parts and how they interact with each other to create equilibrium (Turner, 2017). According to Kingsbury & Scanzoni (2009), structural-functionalism argues that every age group in a society has a role to play. The elderly have a specific role to play in society just as much as would children, youth, and working adults. The functionalist approach focuses on the transition of the elderly into old age and how they cope with their functions. It looks at how individuals adapt to the different expectations, norms, and roles of old age as well as to their mental and physical capabilities (Kingsbury & Scanzoni, 2009). Ru (2011), points out that people who are well resourced and are active in the roles they play have a greater tendency to adjust to old age better than their counterparts who do not do the same.  There are three social theories that explain the functionalist approach with regard to the elderly.

According to Ajrouch, Akiyama, & Antonucci  (2017), disengagement theory suggests that it is natural for the elderly to withdraw from social relationships and society as one gets older. Everyone expects to die at one time, and due to mental and physical decline as one approaches death, it becomes natural for aged persons to withdraw from society (Asiamah, 2017). Secondly, even as an elderly person withdraws from society, they receive and get lesser reinforcement to social norm conformation. This lesser pressure gives the elderly a sense of freedom (Little, 2016). Lastly, Russell (2007), notes that social withdrawal happens differently among the genders. Because women focus on family and marriage while men focus on work, withdrawing for the different sexes is different as well; the two will become directionless and unhappy until the void is replaced by new roles and which are compatible with their previous state (Hansen & Slagsvold, 2016).

The activity theory seeks to mitigate the disengagement theory. According to the theory, social involvement and activity levels are necessary for the aging process and impact one’s happiness as well (Nimrod, 2007). When an elderly person is active and involved, then such a person will most likely be happier than would one who is inactive. The theory posits that the wellbeing of the elderly can be greatly boosted by being active. Participation in informal activities such as hobbies has an effect in the latter life of an individual (Nimrod, 2007).

Lastly, the continuity theory posits that the elderly do not make drastic and dramatic changes to their identities, behaviors, or lifestyles (Nimrod & Kleiber, 2007). They, however, make specific choices that enable them to maintain consistency with their internal beliefs and structures as well as their external structures including relationships while all the while remaining active in the later years. The theory attempts at examining how the elderly maintain social stability and equilibrium by using the already existing social roles to make future decisions (Diggs, 2008). For example, the elderly can make decisions concerning the healthcare plans to be undertaken in the event that they are unable to make the decisions themselves in the future.

In reference to the proposed community project, functionalism can be increased or enhanced among the elderly. For those in the community that have withdrawn from the society, the Walk Group will offer an excellent opportunity to create and maintain new friendships and hopefully meaningful relationships. The elderly will also get an opportunity to be active, and the project is good ground to breed new sub-communities that focus on other interest areas such as creating a tennis team/club for the elderly; a bridge/poker game group; among other fun activities and hobbies. The Walk Group will be the door that opens for the elderly to explore other fun and engaging activities that will add value to their lives and hopefully more happiness and desire to live longer. Additionally, even as the elderly interact, they can exchange ideas and information as well as seek advice from each other regarding future decisions. This may include recommendations for succession lawyers, after-care facilities, and holiday destination planners, among others.

3.2 Critical Sociology

Settersten & Angel (2011), assert that critical sociology views society as one that is inherently unstable founded on the power relationships which favor the few who are wealthy and powerful, while simultaneously segregating the rest of the people in the society. The access to resources and the power imbalance between societal groups is a social justice issue that requires attention. With reference to the aging population, the critical sociology principle means that the aged in society are in a struggle with the rest of the populace for example, the youth, in retaining a percentage of resources available. This competition between the aged and other population groups can result in conflict (Baars, Dannefer, Phillipson, & Walker, 2016).

A case in point is the complaint that a major percentage of resources is allocated to the elderly (Tropman & Nicklett, 2012). During hard economic times, concerns expanded with regard to allocations awarded to healthcare and social security. Arguments are raised on the increasing national medical bills for the elderly who drain resources from other segments that are also in need, such as the education sector (Matsaganis, 2012). For example, an increase in medical research funding can result in a decline in education funding. There are three critical sociology theories linked to aging.

Modernization theory suggests that the main cause of loss of influence and power by the elderly in the society is due to modernization and industrialization (Marshall & Bengtson, 2011). The status of the elderly decreases as modernization spreads. The elderly are thus, more likely to be socially excluded. Stuifbergen, Van Delden, & Dykstra (2008) point out that in the past century, social norms obligated the younger generations to care for their elderly loved ones. However, as mentioned earlier in this paper, families are now more nuclear. Employment is becoming increasingly precarious; people find that they have to move far from their families to look for work. The work itself demands a lot of energy and time that would otherwise have been spent on caring for the elderly extended family members. People within societies become more individualistic, pursuing their personal goals, and thus, taking care of an elderly family member is perceived more as an obligation than it is voluntary and one which can be ignored with no fear censure from the society (Sarkisian & Gerstel, 2012). With modernization theory, the elderly are perceived as a liability to a nuclear family as the former do not contribute economically to the household (Cheal, 2008). Hence, as people get older, they are likely to be abandoned and lose the yester-years family support because of the burdensome nature (Sarkisian &Gerstel, 2012).

According to Alley, Putney, Rice, & Bengtson (2010), the age stratification theory suggests that members of a society are stratified according to age in a similar way as they are according to gender and race. A person’s value is ascribed and determined by age as opposed to such a person’s character. Because age has an impact on the control of social resources, diverse age groups have equally diverse access to the said resources such as economic and political power (Alley et al., 2010). The position that the elderly hold within the hierarchy of age predisposes them to decreased independence, privileges, as well as social resources (O’rand, 2018). As people get older, they become more dependent on others and hence, find that they have to submit to the will of others. This submission is because the elderly have fewer ways of convincing or making others do according to the former’s will. Further, Liefbroer & Billari (2010) assert that within age-stratified societies, behavioral norms such as appropriate behavior and roles, dictate what actions are reasonable for the different age cohorts. For example, an elderly woman may be viewed as deviant if she is seen wearing a bikini as this is a violation of older ladies’ sexuality. The norms are specific to the different strata and are developed from ideas that are culturally biased about when and how people should act based on their age (Liefbroer & Billari, 2010).

Age stratification theory also has a gender aspect to it. The feminist theory argues that an elderly white male wields a role that is more powerful compared to an elderly white female because the former has choices that are less limited based on past economic and political power (Walker, 2012). The status of women has historically been dependent on the aspects of physical attractiveness and youthfulness more so than that of men. Thus, as women age, they are fast devalued more than men are when they lose their attractive and youthful appearance (Walker, 2012). Additionally, Muhlbauer & Chrisler (2012) note that women do not earn as fast as men do in the later times of their careers. Hence, more women than men go to retirement with lesser financial resources. This predisposes elderly women to poverty more than it would men. Lastly, the current elderly women (Baby Boomers) were socialized to grant decision making to men (Burton, 2012). This is especially so with regard to financial matters where daughters and wives were groomed to leave all decisions to the heads of the household (males). This, as Burton (2012), states is problematic because when women outlive their husbands, they find themselves in the unfamiliar and burdensome situation of making decisions and carrying out unfamiliar tasks with no prior experiences. This situation can be very disempowering and more so when the elderly woman has adult children who feel the need to take over where their father left off.

Age stratification theory is applicable to the Bay Shore area. As will be discussed later in the next section (Part B), the population demographics in the area show that of those that live below the poverty line, the highest percentage comprises elderly females. The Walk Group will present an opportunity for this category of persons, with resources they need to improve their current status. As mentioned before, job and networking opportunities will be made possible through the proposed community change. In addition, elderly women who find themselves disempowered following the loss of their spouses can get a common ground through the Walk Group interactions. These women can seek to form a support group for each other and involve other stakeholders such as succession lawyers, bankers, and financial investment advisors, who can help them manage their deceased husband’s property, resources, finances, among others. Again, the possibility of such a support group is beyond the scope of this proposal and one that requires a separate project proposal.

3.3 Symbolic Interactionism

The theory of symbolic interactionism focuses on the manner that a society is created from the daily interactions between people and also the manner in which persons view themselves as well as others, based on symbols in the culture (Denzin, 2016). The perspective assumes that when people develop an identity sense based on their interactions in society, then the said interactions shape their sense of self (Rock, 2016). For example, when a woman interacts in a society that makes her feel unattractive and old, she will eventually have a loss of sense of self. However, a woman in a society in which she interacts, makes her important and valued is bound to be more fulfilled and happy. The theory asserts that all aspects of aging in this dimension are based on societal attitudes (Becker & McCall, 2009).

The subculture of aging theory is one that focuses on a community shared and created by the elderly after they are excluded because of their age (Vanderbeck, 2007). Such a subculture is created voluntarily or involuntarily when the elderly are expelled from a society’s interactions (Jehoel & Vrooman, 2008). The theory posits that when elderly people disengage from the mainstream societal interactions, they form their own that allows them to interact in new and common ways because they have common interests and backgrounds. For example, a subculture group of elderly women interested in specific age-related issues such as regional political issues can be created to address the same.

The theory of selective optimization with compensation posits that an individual’s development and mastering of challenges of daily living are based on compensation, optimization, and selection components (Lang, Rohr, & Williger, 2011). Although this is a life course occurrence, in relation to aging, the theory seeks to balance losses and gains related to getting old. In this sense, aging becomes a process as opposed to just being an outcome, and the individual goals (compensation) are very specific. As a person ages, one experiences a diminishing in energy (selection) while optimizing personal goals and increasing efforts in what one does so as to make up for lost opportunities (compensation) (Muller, Heiden, Weigl, Glaser, & Angerer, 2013). As discussed in the disengagement theory, as a person gets older, they may withdraw but this does not necessarily have a negative connotation because such a person could be saving his time and energy to perform more meaningful tasks.

Gerotranscendence interactionism theory suggests that even as people become older, they transcend previously held limitations to life (George & Dixon, 2018). The elderly tend to become more peaceful, less self-centered, and in more harmony with nature. The elderly, from accrued wisdom, tend to be less conflict-driven and have softer perceptions of what is right and wrong (Hyse & Tornstam, 2009). However, some elderly people do not attain the said wisdom and will become judgmental, grumpy, feel left out and ignored, isolated, and bitter (Hyse & Tornstam, 2009).

Lastly, the social exchange theory posits that the role and status of a person within relationships in a society is dependent on a continuous exchange of resources such as companionship, support, money, time, and effort (Cook, Cheshire, Rice, & Nakagawa, 2013). Social relationships have an aspect of cost/benefits where people calculate the cost of being involved in social interactions versus they gain from the same. Hence, Mitchell, Cropanzano, & Quisenberry (2012) point out that the elderly become less capable of resource exchange, and with that, their social circles shrink with time. Society members find it less beneficial to interact with the elderly under the social exchange theory.

The symbolic interactionism aspect of aging will be addressed by the proposed community change (Bay Shore Walk Group). With the subculture of aging theory, the elderly that have common interests and backgrounds will be in a position to meet up and exchange ideas and even hopefully, create their own forums to address their issues and interests with other stakeholders. For example, those pursuing retirement security can create a forum and engage others in the field currently working in the social security sector of the Bay Shore area. Doing so will ease the challenges and processes that the elderly face when pursuing matters related to retirement security. When it comes to selective optimization, the elderly in society who are still able to offer their services but at limited times or energies will get the opportunity to meet people that can make the same a reality. For example, a retired high school basketball coach can get to train the local area junior team on the weekends. Offering years of experience and skill to the basketball junior team will have eventual benefits for the entire community as the team flourishes to new heights. Lastly, with modernization, the elderly have become an ignored group in society yet they carry a wealth of wisdom and a high tolerance for most things (they have seen it all). When children and youth become part of the Bay Shore Walk Group, they will get the chance to harness the well of wisdom that the elderly possess. Taking walks with the elderly while talking about life issues can greatly impact the lives of the younger generations. That way, the community at Bay Shore will slowly but surely restore the yester-century tradition of seeking wisdom from the elderly.

4.0 Social Relations and Aging

Leviticus 19:32 (NIV): “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD

Social convoys refer to the bands of persons that are present in the life of an individual throughout their entire life (Moen & Hernandez, 2009). Sometimes the bands expand and contract, but all retain a set of core people who are usually family members. The presence of these core people impact to a considerable extent, an individual’s personality continuity and their stability as well (Moen & Hernandez, 2009). People, throughout their lives, create environments that will provide stability and maintain it as well. When there is emotional solidarity for example, between children and parents, the elderly parents will tend to have better survival chances and live longer and fuller lives (Sable, 2008).

However, social networks grow smaller as a person grows older (Luong, Charles, & Fingerman, 2011). Besides the obvious causes of mortality and morbidity that diminish one’s social networks, there is also the pruning process that takes place between ages 18-100 years (English & Carstensen, 2014). During this period, people tend to retain social relations that have emotional ties and exclude those that are peripheral in nature. By the time one is old, their social network comprises of persons with whom strong emotional ties exist. These emotional ties have a positive impact on the elderly’s wellbeing (English & Carstensen, 2014). Although old people spend a lot of time alone, they tend to be less lonely than younger adults until they reach an advanced age. Dykstra (2009) adds that older people are also more satisfied with their relationships than are younger people. For example, elderly parents have more fulfilling relationships with their grown-up children, and the relationship quality greatly benefits the elderly’s wellbeing (Shanas, Townsend, Wedderburn, et al., 2017. In addition, the elderly have greater marital satisfaction compared to the younger generations with the increased closeness between spouses experienced over time (Heiman, Long, Smith, et al., 2011).

There is, however, a downside to the emotionally tied relationships that the elderly have in their small social networks. When negative exchanges take place, they can have a deleterious effect on the elderly’s wellbeing and health as well (Umberson & Karas, 2010). An adult child that causes its parents to constantly be stressed out and worry over their antisocial behavior, can cause the parents health issues including stress-related ulcers and high blood pressure, among other illnesses (Ambert, 2014). Additionally, even when there are special bonds, these can be strained in the later-life of the elderly because of occurrences such as widowhood and caregiving. These strains are different for men and women and also across diverse ethnic groups (Lingler, Sherwood, Crighton et al., 2008). Caregiving for one’s elderly parents or guardians is known to cause depression to the caregivers as well and so too it does in increases the risk of death for the caregiver (Coe & Van Houtven, 2009). Additionally, taking care of the elderly strains the social life of the caregiver as well as their family and marital life (Coe & VVan Houtven, 2009). Societal norms, according to Lin, Fee, & Wu (2012), predispose wives and daughters as the fall-back caregivers for their parents and spouses. When men or husbands find themselves in the same predicament, they are more likely to hire caregivers or even get help from family and friends.

At this point, this paper proposes that the Walk Group can help in alleviating some of the negative effects that come with the strained relationships between the elderly and their emotional ties. When caregivers and the elderly both get an opportunity to take a breather and walk, it can help in easing the tension between them. For caregivers with invalid/immobile persons, they can get time to interact with other caregivers as they walk and exchange ideas, information, and talk about their walk in caring for their loved ones. Finding someone to talk to and one who understands one’s predicament can be therapeutic to the said caregivers (Norcross, 2010). The Walk Group will be a source of therapy for caregivers that just need a chance to get away from daily depressive routine, talks to people in similar situations, and hopefully, get more inspiration and strength to press on with caring for their elderly loved ones.

PART B

5.0 Can the Elderly Contribute to Society?

Job 12:12 (NIV) Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

A study by Encore.org, in collaboration with Stanford Graduate School of Education, revealed that most elderly people desire to make a contribution to the society with a third actually doing so. The study defined sustained goal commitments that are of meaning to the self and which in a particular way, contribute to the overall good, and to something that is beyond or larger than the individual. The authors defined purposeful living as a generalized and stable intention to achieve something that is of meaning to the individual and which has a consequence to the world outside of self (Nakamura & Carstensen, 2017; Goddess, 2018).

The main findings of the study were that majority of the elderly show high levels of behaviors and values that are pro-social such as caring for others, helping others, volunteering, caring for the environment and nature, seeking to gain an understanding of persons that are different from themselves, and endorsing treatment to all that is equal. Nearly a third of the elderly populace pursues goals actively, that are both meaningful to the self and of contribution to the greater good. Additionally, the pursuit of living purposeful lives is present among the elderly of all geography, health status, income, age, and ethnicities. Elderly people that pursue purposeful living do not let go of other personal goals and pleasures and instead, view later adulthood as an opportunity to take up activities such as taking classes or traveling, among other activities. Lastly, the study found that purposeful elderly persons experience satisfaction and joy in their lives and also expressed the need for freedom to express themselves in their life pursuits. This freedom included relief from what they consider burdensome such as childbearing and work (Nakamura & Carstensen, 2017; Goddess, 2018).

Pursuing a purposeful life involves a number of things that go beyond one-self and which one is passionate about. One such way is through volunteering and taking up responsibilities that one is passionate about, such as tutoring children, working for peace in the world, among others. With reference to the Bay Shore Walk Group community project, the elderly in society who have a desire to pursue meaningful living but are stuck at how to start can get an opportunity to form sub-groups with other elderly folks and forge blueprints on how to start living the said life. There may be those in the community who have no idea or have given up on the possibility of living a purposeful life but when they come together and join the Walk Group, their sense of renewed hope may be awakened. It is highly possible that those among the elderly pursuing or wanting to pursue life missions such as volunteer work or advocacy for issues such as ‘a greener world’ or a ‘safer community,’ among others, will congregate and start the same. This will offer more meaning to the elderly’s lives even as they achieve goals for the greater good of the Bay Shore community.

6.0 Healthy Aging and the Bay Shore Community

Some of the descriptors in the literature on healthy aging is the desire for the elderly to be included in community activities and to feel useful (Stepphens, Breheny & Mansvelt, 2015; McPhee, French, Jackson, et al., 2016). Behavioral strategies that include finding joy in participating in community activities, helping others, and avoiding stress are one of the highest levels of reaching later adulthood in a healthy way (Gilmour, 2012). Having a positive community can help the elderly to healthy aging. Bay Shore area, through the Walk Group imitative, can create a conducive and positive environment that nurtures healthy aging for its populace.

Elderly people in the Bay Shore area are a social glue that can bring the entire community together. They can be active members in the community, which cannot be quantified directly in monetary terms. As it is, elderly people already have a high propensity to volunteer and get involved in organizations that are community-based (Nakamura &Carstensen, 2017). They can easily be given the opportunity to be the pillars in society when the community provides a platform for them to be visible, the Walk Group platform in this case. The Bay Shore community needs to pave way for the public attitudes toward the elderly to be renegotiated and instead, view the elderly as persons that can still contribute to the community.

When the Bay Shore community creates the ideal environment for healthy aging, then there will be a two-way benefit. This is because the cost of remaining un-engaged in terms of mental health and loss of potential and wellbeing is considerably high. Mutual reciprocity and exchange builds trust and creates social relationships that are positive. The Walk Group will offer a positive environment that will enable the elderly to thrive in health even as they progress in age.

6.1 Community Walk Group

According to Hupin, Roche, Gremeaux, et al., (2015), regular physical activities have a positive impact on a person’s health and can also have similar effects as would some medication interventions with regard to mortality. Physical activity has been suggested as an adjunct or alternative to using conventional medication therapy (Nelson, Rejeski, Blair, et al., 2007). An easy way of meeting the needs for physical activities required for a person on a given day is walking. When one walks at a pace of 5-8km per hour or 3-5 miles per hour, such a person expends enough energy that can be deemed as moderate intensity (Blacklock, Rhodes, & Brown, 2007). Walking has been shown to have several benefits to one’s health including positive effects on resting blood pressure, fatness, fitness, weight loss, blood pressure control, risk prevention of cardiovascular disease, and depression (Murphy, Nevill, Murtagh, et al., 2007). According to Kallings, Matti, Hellenius, et al., 2008), the impact that primary care interventions for reducing inactivity are limited; when persons are advised to be more active, the effects are short term. However, walking is a simple enough activity that a person can take up and maintain in ensuring that one remains fit and healthy.

Hanson & Jones (2015), suggest that one way of promoting walking and sustaining the behavior is through the establishment of a walking group at a community level. Walking groups typically comprise short walks that take less than an hour and done in the outside environment as opposed to an enclosed area. Walk groups are run by lay people that are trained to meet the needs of participants such as simple first aid when needed. Group walking is a potentially attractive intervention for community physical fitness activities that has the potential of meeting more than the health needs of participants (Grant, Machaczek, Pollard, et al., 2017). Group walks also have the added advantages of being fun to participate in as well as very cost-effective. In addition, the social cohesion dynamics linked to group walks may result in a support effect, which propels participants to sustain adherence as well as develop and maintain a positive attitude towards being physically fit, shared wellness experience, and companionship (Hanson & Jones, 2015).

6.1.1 Proposed Bay Shore Walk Group

According to the World Population Prospects 2019 Revision, the data indicates that by 2050, 1 in every 6 persons across the globe will be aged 65years and above. This means 16% of the world’s population will be in the 65+ age bracket, a rise of 5% from 2019. By 2050, the populace in North America and Europe is projected to present a 1 in 4 persons aged 65 years and over. In 2018, persons 65+ years, for the first time in world history, outnumbered children below five years. Again by 2050, those aged 80+ will be thrice the current number in 2019; 426 million against 143 million respectively (World Population Prospects 2019 Revision).

The United Nations Organization (n.d) reports that an aging population is set to be one of the 21st century’s significant transformations in society. The implications of these transformations will likely affect all sectors of the community, including financial markets and labor, goods and services demand, social protection, transportation, and housing, as well as intergenerational ties and family structures (UN, n.d). Further, the UN (n.d) asserts that elderly persons are seen as development contributors with their abilities to act for their betterment and that of their societies, which should be entwined in programs and policies at all levels. Countries are, in the coming decades, likely to encounter political and fiscal pressures on public healthcare systems, social protection, and pensions for elderly populations (UN, n.d).

Hence, it becomes necessary to delay the aging process and even increase the societal contribution of the elderly. The cry of the elderly could be as that of King David: ‘Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.’ Psalms 71:9 NIV.  When an economy has more elderly and fit people retiring later than they should and living healthier than they otherwise would, the burden on society is reduced significantly. The need to culture a mindset of a healthy elderly society needs to start now for sooner and long term benefits for the elderly themselves and the economy as a whole. By including the elderly in the activities and economic sector of Bay Shore, the project will be an act of reverence for God and, indeed, an act of worship: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32 NIV). This project proposes that it is possible to increase longevity and enhance the lives of the elderly populace in the Bay Shore area through a Walk Group community project.

Throughout this proposal, the benefits associated with starting a Walk Group in the Bay Shore area have been discussed extensively. The impact that the Walk Group will have on the elderly and other population groups in the community has been discussed in detail. In addition, the potential for the Bay Shore Walk Group to birth several other sub-groups, forums, and associations is numerous, as has also been discussed. The health implications, physical, emotional, and psychological, for the elderly, their caregivers, and other community members that can potentially arise from the Walk Group have also been alluded to.

6.1.2 Brief Profile of Bay Shore

According to Data USA (n.d), in the Bay Shore area, 9.72% of the population lives below the poverty line. The most significant percentage of this category of persons is females aged between 45 and 54 years (Data USA, n.d). The 2014 healthcare spending per capita was $9,778, which was a 4.57% increase from the previous year (Data USA, n.d). The average number of patients seen by a primary care physician is currently 1202 per annum up from 1199 the last year (Data USA, n.d.). Based on this information, it can be seen that there is a possible relationship between healthcare spending, the number of persons that become sick in a year, and the population living in poverty. This is a field for research beyond the scope of this current proposal.

The median age of Bay Shore populace was 34.77 in 2017 (Data USA, n.d). Native-born citizens had a median age of 30, while foreign-born citizens were at 43. As of 2016, the average age of the populace in Bay Shore was 34 (Data USA, n.d). As of 2019, there were 3,294 elderly persons of the 22,531 adults living in Bay Shore (Data USA, n.d.). The difference in age median among the native and foreign-born citizens also poses an area for research concerning health problems. Studies show that different health conditions tend to affect different racial groups and at different frequencies. For example, the rates of blood pressure prevalence among White and Blacks or Hispanics vary even across the aged, as shown in various studies (Morenoff et al., 2007; Crimmins et al., 2007; Sorof et al., 2004; Geronimus et al., 2006).

The old-age dependency ratio in Bay Shore is 17.1. This ratio is the number of elderly persons aged 65 years and above against those working (15-64 years) (Data USA, n.d). This ratio is of importance to this proposal as it highlights the need for the elderly in the community to be less dependent on the working population. For this to be achieved, a shift needs to take place where more people aged 65 and above continue to work. Doing so will require a strategy to be put in place, and that will improve the health of the elderly and increase their productivity. This should be followed by creating a network where the rest of the community can access the elderly in approaching them for jobs and work opportunities.

As mentioned earlier, the average age of Bay Shore dwellers is 34 years. This means in a few years, those above 40 years will form a more significant proportion of the community. This proposal suggests that the current work of the author will initiate the project. The organization will provide the necessary human resources to begin the change with the expectation that other volunteers will join in. The initial manpower required involves fitness experts, nurses, and doctors as well as other subordinate staff. The organization will spearhead the community change and will request the backing of the public health department and other local officials. The walk group project will create a healthy and safe place for the elderly in the community to exercise, gather, and socialize. To get stakeholders and participants on board, the project will pitch on “each person will eventually get old; it is how one chooses to get old that can be changed.”

6.1.3 Purpose of the Community Change Project

1. To create a fun and healthy way for the elderly in the community to keep fit and increase their longevity.
2. To bring businesses and the community together. Companies will, in the future, be requested to fund the project through sponsorship. For example, the shoe and apparel business could be requested to sponsor the walk group team with suitable apparel for walking.
3. The walk group project hopes to inspire others in the community to walk for better health and thus, create a healthy community.
4. The walk group initiative will hopefully steer the community toward better care for their elderly and realize the latter’s purpose for the community.
5. The walk group setting will be a great place to network among community members. Some older adults can still be productive, and networking with others during the walk can provide them with job and income-earning opportunities.
6. Older people often feel lonely and ignored. The walk group project will create a place for friendships and relationships to be commenced and nurtured.
7. The walking group automatically creates a shortcut for marketing teams for various businesses. If a company has a new product or would like to test out a new product, passing out this information via pamphlets, banners etc. to the walk team members will be much easier.
8. The walking group will provide a solid ground for research studies for any healthcare professional seeking to understand the effect of walking groups on the health, wellbeing, and longevity among the elderly.
9. Other benefits that are likely to emerge as the change takes root in the community.

In conclusion, the Lord promises to take care of each one of His faithful in their old age: Isaiah 46:4 NIV ‘Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’ It is our duty as the younger member of the body of Christ to carry out God’s purpose of caring for the elderly. The youth are called to carry the elderly even as they would one day need to be carried. The community project will allow the elderly to interact with the younger generations and, in this, have an opportunity to regain their self-worth.

References

Ajrouch, K. J., Akiyama, H., & Antonucci, T. C. (2017). Cohort differences in social relations among the elderly. In New Dynamics in Old Age (pp. 43-64). Routledge.

Alley, D. E., Putney, N. M., Rice, M., & Bengtson, V. L. (2010). The increasing use of theory in social gerontology: 1990–2004. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 65(5), 583-590.

Ambert, A. M. (2014). The effect of children on parents. Routledge.

Amstadter, A. B., Cisler, J. M., McCauley, J. L., Hernandez, M. A., Muzzy, W., & Acierno, R. (2010). Do incident and perpetrator characteristics of elder mistreatment differ by gender of the victim? Results from the National Elder Mistreatment Study. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 23(1), 43-57.

Asiamah, N. (2017). Social engagement and physical activity: Commentary on why the activity and disengagement theories of ageing may both be valid. Cogent Medicine, 4(1), 1289664.

Baars, J., Dannefer, D., Phillipson, C., & Walker, A. (2016). Aging, globalization and inequality: The new critical gerontology. Routledge.

Becker, H. S., & McCall, M. M. (Eds.). (2009). Symbolic interaction and cultural studies. University of Chicago Press.

Beckett, F. (2016). What did the baby boomers ever do for us?. Routledge.

Bierman, L. (2011). The Baby Boom= The BIG Boom in Healthcare.

Binstock, R. H. (2010). From compassionate ageism to intergenerational conflict?. The Gerontologist, 50(5), 574-585.

Blacklock, R. E., Rhodes, R. E., & Brown, S. G. (2007). Relationship between regular walking, physical activity, and health-related quality of life. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 4(2), 138-152.

Bond, J., Coleman, P., & Peace, S. M. (Eds.). (1993). Ageing in society: An introduction to social gerontology. Sage.

Burton, C. (2012). Subordination (RLE Feminist Theory): Feminism and Social Theory. Routledge.

Bužgová, R., & Ivanová, K. (2009). Elder abuse and mistreatment in residential settings. Nursing Ethics, 16(1), 110-126.

Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2018). Adult development and aging. Cengage Learning.

Cheal, D. (2008). Families in today’s world: a comparative approach. Routledge.

Coe, N. B., & Van Houtven, C. H. (2009). Caring for mom and neglecting yourself? The health effects of caring for an elderly parent. Health economics, 18(9), 991-1010.

Cohen-Shalev, A. (2009). Visions of aging: Images of the elderly in film. Apollo Books.

Cook, K. S., Cheshire, C., Rice, E. R., & Nakagawa, S. (2013). Social exchange theory. In Handbook of social psychology (pp. 61-88). Springer, Dordrecht.

Crimmins, E. M., Kim, J. K., Alley, D. E., Karlamangla, A., & Seeman, T. (2007).  A Hispanic paradox in biological risk profiles. American journal of public health, 97(7), 1305-1310.

Data USA (n.d.). Bay Shore, NY. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/bay-shore-ny

Dennis, H., & Thomas, K. (2007). Ageism in the workplace. Generations, 31(1), 84-89.

Diggs, J. (2008). The continuity theory of aging. Encyclopedia of aging and public health, 233-235.

Dong, X. (2012). Advancing the field of elder abuse: future directions and policy implications. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(11), 2151-2156.

Dykstra, P. A. (2009). Older adult loneliness: myths and realities. European journal of ageing, 6(2), 91.

English, T., & Carstensen, L. L. (2014). Selective narrowing of social networks across adulthood is associated with improved emotional experience in daily life. International journal of behavioral development, 38(2), 195-202.

George, W., & Dixon, A. (2018). Understanding the presence of Gerotranscendence among older adults. Adultspan Journal, 17(1), 27-40.

Geronimus, A. T., Hicken, M., Keene, D., & Bound, J. (2006). “Weathering” and age patterns of allostatic load scores among blacks and whites in the United States. American journal of public health, 96(5), 826-833.

Gilbert, C. N., & Ricketts*, K. G. (2008). Children’s attitudes toward older adults and aging: A synthesis of research. Educational gerontology, 34(7), 570-586.

Gilmour, H. (2012). Social participation and the health and well-being of Canadian seniors. Health reports, 23(4), 23-32.Goddess, J (2018). Most Older Adults Want to Contribute to Society, and Many Do, New Study Shows. https://sfcommunityliving.org/older-adults-want-contribute-society-many-new-study-shows/

Grant, G., Machaczek, K., Pollard, N., & Allmark, P. (2017). Walking, sustainability and health: findings from a study of a walking for health group. Health & social care in the community, 25(3), 1218-1226.

Gullette, M. M. (2011). Agewise: Fighting the new ageism in America. University of Chicago Press.

Hansen, T., & Slagsvold, B. (2016). Late-life loneliness in 11 European countries: Results from the generations and gender survey. Social Indicators Research, 129(1), 445-464. Hansen, T., & Slagsvold, B. (2016). Late-life loneliness in 11 European countries: Results from the generations and gender survey. Social Indicators Research, 129(1), 445-464.

Hanson, S., & Jones, A. (2015). Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med, 49(11), 710-715.

Hartman, M., Catlin, A., Lassman, D., Cylus, J., & Heffler, S. (2007). US Health Spending By Age, Selected Years Through 2004: Recent trends indicate that per person spending for the oldest elderly is growing more slowly than spending for all other age groups. Health Affairs, 26(Suppl2), w1-w12.

Heiman, J. R., Long, J. S., Smith, S. N., Fisher, W. A., Sand, M. S., & Rosen, R. C. (2011). Sexual satisfaction and relationship happiness in midlife and older couples in five countries. Archives of sexual behavior, 40(4), 741-753.

Hupin, D., Roche, F., Gremeaux, V., Chatard, J. C., Oriol, M., Gaspoz, J. M., … & Edouard, P. (2015). Even a low-dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces mortality by 22% in adults aged≥ 60 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 49(19), 1262-1267.

Hyse, K., & Tornstam, L. (2009). Recognizing aspects of oneself in the theory of gerotranscendence. Dept. of Sociology.

Jackson, T. (2009). Prosperity without growth?: The transition to a sustainable economy.

Jehoel-Gijsbers, G., & Vrooman, C. (2008). Social exclusion of the elderly: a comparative study of EU member states.

Kallings, L. V., Leijon, M., Hellénius, M. L., & Ståhle, A. (2008). Physical activity on prescription in primary health care: a follow‐up of physical activity level and quality of life. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 18(2), 154-161.

King, D. E., Matheson, E., Chirina, S., Shankar, A., & Broman-Fulks, J. (2013). The status of baby boomers’ health in the United States: the healthiest generation?. JAMA internal medicine, 173(5), 385-386.

Kingsbury, N., & Scanzoni, J. (2009). Structural-functionalism. In Sourcebook of family theories and methods (pp. 195-221). Springer, Boston, MA.

Kornadt, A. E., & Rothermund, K. (2012). Internalization of age stereotypes into the self-concept via future self-views: A general model and domain-specific differences. Psychology and Aging, 27(1), 164.

Lang, F. R., Rohr, M. K., & Williger, B. (2011). Modeling success in life-span psychology: The principles of selection, optimization, and compensation.

Levy, B. R., & Banaji, M. R. (2002). Implicit ageism. Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons, 2004, 49-75.

Liang, J., & Luo, B. (2012). Toward a discourse shift in social gerontology: From successful aging to harmonious aging. Journal of Aging Studies, 26(3), 327-334.

Liefbroer, A. C., & Billari, F. C. (2010). Bringing norms back in: A theoretical and empirical discussion of their importance for understanding demographic behaviour. Population, space and place, 16(4), 287-305.

Lin, I. F., Fee, H. R., & Wu, H. S. (2012). Negative and positive caregiving experiences: A closer look at the intersection of gender and relationship. Family relations, 61(2), 343-358.

Little, W. (2016). . Aging and the Elderly. Introduction to Sociology-2nd Canadian Edition.

Luong, G., Charles, S. T., & Fingerman, K. L. (2011). Better with age: Social relationships across adulthood. Journal of social and personal relationships, 28(1), 9-23.

Manyika, J., Chui, M., Madgavkar, A., & Lund, S. (2017). Technology, jobs, and the future of work. McKinsey Global Institute.

Marshall, V. W., & Bengtson, V. L. (2011). Theoretical perspectives on the sociology of aging. In Handbook of sociology of aging (pp. 17-33). Springer, New York, NY.

Matsaganis, M. (2012). Social policy in hard times: The case of Greece. Critical Social Policy, 32(3), 406-421.

McAdams, D. P., de St Aubin, E. D., & Logan, R. L. (1993). Generativity among young, midlife, and older adults. Psychology and aging, 8(2), 221.

McHugh, D., & Gil, J. (2018). Senescence and aging: Causes, consequences, and therapeutic avenues. Journal of Cell Biology, 217(1), 65-77.

McPhee, J. S., French, D. P., Jackson, D., Nazroo, J., Pendleton, N., & Degens, H. (2016). Physical activity in older age: perspectives for healthy ageing and frailty. Biogerontology, 17(3), 567-580.

Mitchell, M. S., Cropanzano, R. S., & Quisenberry, D. M. (2012). Social exchange theory, exchange resources, and interpersonal relationships: A modest resolution of theoretical difficulties. In Handbook of social resource theory (pp. 99-118). Springer, New York, NY.

Moen, P., & Hernandez, E. (2009). social Convoys. The craft of life course research. In GH Elder, & JZ Giel, The Craft of Life Course Research, 258.

Moon, M., Guo, J., & McSorley, V. E. (2015). Is 65 the best cutoff for defining “Older Americans?” issue brief.

Morenoff, J. D., House, J. S., Hansen, B. B., Williams, D. R., Kaplan, G. A., & Hunte, H. E. (2007). Understanding social disparities in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control: the role of neighborhood context. Social science & medicine, 65(9), 1853-1866.

Muhlbauer, V., & Chrisler, J. C. (2012). Women, power, and aging: An introduction. Women & Therapy, 35(3-4), 137-144. O’rand, A. (2018). Age and inequality: Diverse pathways through later life. Routledge.

Müller, A., Heiden, B., Weigl, M., Glaser, J., & Angerer, P. (2013). Successful aging strategies in nursing: The example of selective optimization with compensation. In Age-differentiated work systems (pp. 175-199). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.

Murphy, M. H., Nevill, A. M., Murtagh, E. M., & Holder, R. L. (2007). The effect of walking on fitness, fatness and resting blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials. Preventive medicine, 44(5), 377-385.

Nakamura, J., & Carstensen, L. L. (2017). FACILITATING PURPOSE IN LATER LIFE. Innovation in Aging, 1(suppl_1), 32-32.

Nelson, M. E., Rejeski, W. J., Blair, S. N., Duncan, P. W., Judge, J. O., King, A. C., … & Castaneda-Sceppa, C. (2007). Physical activity and public health in older adults: recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(8), 1435-1445.

Nelson, T. D. (2009). Ageism.

Nimrod, G. (2007). Retirees’ leisure: Activities, benefits, and their contribution to life satisfaction. Leisure Studies, 26(1), 65-80.

Nimrod, G., & Kleiber, D. A. (2007). Reconsidering change and continuity in later life: Toward an innovation theory of successful aging. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 65(1), 1-22.

Norcross, J. C. (2010). The therapeutic relationship.

North, M. S., & Fiske, S. T. (2015). Modern attitudes toward older adults in the aging world: A cross-cultural meta-analysis. Psychological bulletin, 141(5), 993.

Ory, M., Hoffman, M. K., Hawkins, M., Sanner, B., & Mockenhaupt, R. (2003). Challenging aging stereotypes: Strategies for creating a more active society. American journal of preventive medicine, 25(3), 164-171.

Palmore, E. B., Branch, L., & Harris, D. (2016). Encyclopedia of ageism. Routledge.

Pruchno, R. (2012). Not your mother’s old age: Baby Boomers at age 65.

Robinson, T., Callister, M., & Magoffin, D. (2009). Older characters in teen movies from 1980–2006. Educational Gerontology, 35(8), 687-711.

Rock, P. (2016). Making of symbolic interactionism. Springer.

Ru, A. I. (2011). Study on the Seniors’ Social Participation under the Perspective of Functionalism [J]. Journal of University of Science and Technology Beijing (Social Sciences Edition), 2.

Russell, C. (2007). What do older women and men want? Gender differences in the ‘lived experience’of ageing. Current Sociology, 55(2), 173-192.

Sable, P. (2008). What is adult attachment?. Clinical Social Work Journal, 36(1), 21-30.

Sarkisian, N., & Gerstel, N. (2012). Nuclear family values, extended family lives: The power of race, class, and gender. Routledge.

Seals, D. R., Justice, J. N., & LaRocca, T. J. (2016). Physiological geroscience: targeting function to increase healthspan and achieve optimal longevity. The Journal of physiology, 594(8), 2001-2024.

Settersten, R. A., & Angel, J. L. (Eds.). (2011). Handbook of sociology of aging. Nueva York: Springer.

Shanas, E., Townsend, P., Wedderburn, D., Friis, H. K., Milhoj, P., & Stehouwer, J. (2017). Old people in three industrial societies. Routledge.

Sorof, J. M., Lai, D., Turner, J., Poffenbarger, T., & Portman, R. J. (2004). Overweight, ethnicity, and the prevalence of hypertension in school-aged children. Pediatrics, 113(3), 475-482.

Stephens, C., Breheny, M., & Mansvelt, J. (2015). Healthy ageing from the perspective of older people: A capability approach to resilience. Psychology & health, 30(6), 715-731.

Steptoe, A., Deaton, A., & Stone, A. A. (2015). Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing. The Lancet, 385(9968), 640-648.

Stuifbergen, M. C., Van Delden, J. J., & Dykstra, P. A. (2008). The implications of today’s family structures for support giving to older parents. Ageing & Society, 28(3), 413-434.

Stuifbergen, M. C., Van Delden, J. J., & Dykstra, P. A. (2008). The implications of today’s family structures for support giving to older parents. Ageing & Society, 28(3), 413-434.

Taylor, A. W., Pilkington, R., Feist, H., Dal Grande, E., & Hugo, G. (2014). A survey of retirement intentions of baby boomers: an overview of health, social and economic determinants. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 355.

Tropman, J., & Nicklett, E. (2012). Balancing the budget through social exploitation: Why hard times are even harder for some. Advances in applied sociology, 2(2), 111.

Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2003). Stability of self-esteem across the life span. Journal of personality and social psychology, 84(1), 205.

Turner, J. H. (2017). Functionalism. The Wiley‐Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory, 1-9.

Umberson, D., & Karas Montez, J. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of health and social behavior, 51(1_suppl), S54-S66.

United Nations (n.d).Ageing. https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/ageing/

Van Bremen, R. (2003). Family structures. A companion to the Hellenistic world, 313-330.

Vanderbeck, R. M. (2007). Intergenerational geographies: age relations, segregation and re‐engagements. Geography compass, 1(2), 200-221.

Walker, L. (2012). The future of femme: Notes on femininity, aging and gender theory. Sexualities, 15(7), 795-814.

Willetts, D. (2010). The Pinch: How the baby boomers took their children’s future-and why they should give it back. Atlantic Books Ltd.

World Health Organization (2012). Proposed working definition of an older person in Africa for the MDS Project. https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/

World Population Prospects 2019 Revision. https://population.un.org/wpp/

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

---

Session 5

Topic: Final Project/Paper

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23 (English Standard Version)

Over the course of your studies here at CCU, you have come to understand leadership from an integrated perspective, dovetailing a Christian worldview with valid and reliable, research-based approaches for managing and leading the twenty-first-century organization/community. Hence, it is the role of both managers and leaders to inspire organizational/community members to identify common values, vision and goals and to think, talk, and walk in the Spirit of the truth of His Word — leading by example and leaning on the example set by Christ. This is a new paradigm of Christian leadership. In order to achieve this, as managers/leaders, we must understand our own values, vision, mission, and goals, as well as how our individual and collective worldviews impact the decisions we make and actions we take. To fulfill the requirement for the final project/paper, it will be your responsibility to identify a problem, a critical issue (problem statement/situation analysis) within your organization/community or an opportunity to assume a leadership role to initiate change, restoration and/or renewal. You will identify your area of specialization, prepare a research question or thesis and develop a plan for action applying various organizational systems, theories and technologies for initiating, managing and measuring organizational-wide change. In addition, you will identify practices, policies, and operational procedures that influence employee performance and organizational/community-wide collaboration. At this stage in your academic/professional/spiritual journey, we would ask that you approach the following assignments in this course not just from a student’s perspective but rather as scholars/practitioners, demonstrating your knowledge and skills as new paradigm Christian leaders. Are you ready?

Topic Outcomes:

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

• Compile all the component parts of a final project
• Revise a final project for coherency and logical flow
• Write an abstract or executive summary
• Complete and submit a major final project or business plan, research paper or community change initiative paper.