Introduction
The American society is concerned with the growing population of elderly individuals and how to help them practice successful aging. Moreover, modern society especially the American society views aging as something that should be either denied or concealed. However, according to Moody (2010), society should put in place models that will make elderly people to be actively involved in economic and social roles.
Body
Alternatively, Moody (2010) adds that women and men age differently which becomes less differentiated in both feminine and masculine predilections. For instance, men accept the interdependence of women. Additionally, women in their old age days become more active and dominate roles and responsibilities that were previously dominated by men.
Consequently, Moody (2010) holds the view that the elderly need to be kept both creative and active. This can only be achieved if they are provided with other alternatives that can change their social life and redefine their life experiences. Moody suggests that it is vital to pay close attention to vigorous and newer models that put in place better methods for successful aging as it is a varied situation. Moreover, it is essential to consider that promoting productive aging in society cannot limit the actions and worries on present personal responsibility. The latter is still an issue of concern in modern society. Furthermore, there are growing numbers of individuals who are between 60 and 80 years. Hence, the possibility of the elderly living in healthier conditions and being valued by society should always be taken into account.
In the United States of America, the concept of aging was established in 1980 by legislators, seniors, militants, and scholars. According to Moody (2010), this group of people was not satisfied with existing negative stereotypes in aging. This is because stereotyping notion could not result in accommodation of diversity found in relatively active and healthy old individuals.
According to Moody (2010), new models should be put in place to encourage old individuals to live longer. Furthermore, better social positions and roles should be put in place by society to improve both their economic and social lives. This is because active and creative living makes the old people live longer for approximately 20 more years after their retirement age.
Moody (2010) points out that the productivity concept should go beyond the existing financial sphere of the elderly but instead consider the role they play in the family, personal life, community, and intimate relationships. Moody further suggests that there are risks involved in making the elderly to be actively involved in economic production. This is because making them economically productive will make them not practice and enjoy positive elements of successful aging. Therefore, according to the author, the best concepts of productivity aging are less related to economic concepts but more to leisure ones. Hence, the productivity concept in successful aging in the American context needs to begin from the identified goals at both collective and individual levels in identifying essential social opportunities for the old in the society. Therefore, values such as self-management, creativity, citizenship, autonomy, and personal development should be included in the development concept. This is because the model recognizes the last days of a person’s life as part of one’s life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, successful aging in American society is a new trend among individuals who are working with the elderly. Just like Moody (2010) observes, professionals working with the elderly are also emphasizing the importance of putting in place early intervention and preventive measures that can hinder productive and successful aging.
Reference
Moody, H.R. (2010). Aging Concepts and Controversies. (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.