Social and community aspects of ageing
The interactions between social and community factors and health status are extraordinarily complex, especially for older adults. This chapter provides a brief overview of the demography of ageing and then focuses on how societal structures and constructs influence older adults' experiences. Challenges of ageing are examined at a societal level, with a discussion of how providers, healthcare systems, and governments can address these challenges to optimize older adults' well-being. Older adults are prone to unique challenges and difficulties due to the physiology and societal expectations of ageing. Additionally, challenges common to the human experience impact older adults differently because of myriad factors, such as the accumulation of multiple chronic illnesses, high rates of cognitive impairment and dementia, and a gradual loss of independence. Many older adults will require the assistance of caregivers due to disability or impairment from cognitive, psychiatric, or medical conditions.
