Bernice Neugarten

Definition

Bernice Neugarten was a prominent American psychologist and gerontologist known for her influential research on aging and the life course. Her work highlighted the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping the experiences of older adults, emphasizing that aging is not just a biological process but also deeply affected by societal attitudes and expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neugarten's research established that societal attitudes toward aging significantly impact the psychological well-being of older adults.
2. She emphasized the role of generational differences in shaping the aging experience, showing that life transitions occur within a social context.
3. Neugarten identified different types of 'age' including chronological age, social age, and subjective age, revealing complexities in how individuals perceive their own aging.
4. Her work contributed to the development of the concept of 'aging in place,' advocating for environments that support older adults in remaining in their communities as they age.
5. Neugarten's findings encouraged policy changes aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults through enhanced social support systems.

Review Questions

• How did Bernice Neugarten's research contribute to our understanding of the aging process beyond biological factors?
  • Bernice Neugarten's research played a crucial role in expanding the understanding of aging by highlighting the significance of social and cultural influences. She demonstrated that aging is not solely a biological process but is shaped by societal attitudes, generational differences, and environmental factors. This comprehensive view has led to more nuanced approaches to aging in both research and practice, emphasizing the need for supportive social systems.
• Discuss how Neugarten's concept of different types of 'age' alters perceptions of older adults in society.
  • Neugarten introduced the idea that there are various dimensions to age: chronological age, social age, and subjective age. This framework helps shift perceptions of older adults by illustrating that their experiences can vary widely based on societal roles and personal feelings about aging. By recognizing that individuals may feel younger or older than their chronological age suggests, her work encourages society to adopt a more individualized approach to aging.
• Evaluate the implications of Bernice Neugarten's findings for policy-making related to elderly care and support systems.
  • The implications of Bernice Neugarten's findings are significant for policy-making in elderly care. Her emphasis on the importance of social support systems and environments conducive to 'aging in place' suggests that policies should prioritize community-based resources and services tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. By advocating for policies that enhance social engagement and provide necessary support, her research informs initiatives aimed at improving the overall quality of life for older populations.

Related terms

Gerontology: The multidisciplinary study of aging, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults.

Life Course Perspective: An analytical framework that examines how historical, social, and cultural contexts influence individual aging experiences and transitions throughout life.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: A theory proposed by Laura Carstensen suggesting that as people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and experiences.