Survey the media for evidence of ableism. Find at least two specific shows, movies, commercials, or any other media type that portrays disability in a negative light.
What message(s) about disability does it convey and how?
Could the messages about disability mean different things to different audiences? Explain.
Is the portrayal a favorable, harmful, or ambiguous representation of disability?
If it’s problematic, how might you improve the representation to be more inclusive of empowering disability perspectives?
thnicity Differences: There are also significant disparities in life expectancy among ethnic groups in the US. In 2021, the life expectancy for the non-Hispanic Black population was 70.8 years, while for the non-Hispanic White population, it was 76.4 years. The life expectancy for the Hispanic population was the highest at 77.7 years. These differences are often tied to socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, diet, and chronic disease rates.
2. Common Sensory Changes in Late Adulthood
As we age, our sensory systems undergo significant changes. Here are four common ones:
Vision: A major change is the lens of the eye becoming less flexible and more rigid, a condition called presbyopia. This makes it difficult to focus on close objects. The lens also yellows, which can make it harder to distinguish certain colors like blues and greens. Additionally, the pupil shrinks, requiring more light to see clearly.
Hearing: Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is very common. It involves a gradual loss of the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, making it difficult to understand conversations, especially in noisy environments. The cause is often damage to the hair cells in the inner ear.
Taste: The number of taste buds decreases with age, and those that remain may shrink. This can lead to a reduced sense of taste, making food seem blander. The ability to detect sweet and salty flavors is often the first to diminish.
Touch: The ability to sense touch, pain, and temperature can decrease in late adulthood. This is due to a reduction in the number of nerve endings and a loss of blood supply to the skin. This can make a person less aware of injuries and increase the risk of falls.
Preventative Measures: Yes, there are measures to delay the onset or slow the progression of these sensory changes:
Vision: Wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from UV radiation can help prevent cataracts. A diet rich in antioxidants, like Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene (found in carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes), can support eye health. Regular eye exams can catch issues early.
Hearing: Avoiding loud noises and wearing ear protection in noisy environments (e.g., concerts, construction sites) can help prevent damage to the inner ear.
Sample Answer
The Growing Late Adulthood Population and Life Expectancy
The number of people in late adulthood is increasing significantly across the US and the world, a trend known as global aging. By 2050, the global population of people aged 60 and older is projected to reach 2.1 billion, up from 1 billion in 2020. In the US, the number of people 65 and older is projected to rise from 54 million in 2019 to 85 million by 2050. This growth is primarily driven by declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy.
Life Expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current death rates.
Gender Differences: In the US, there's a notable gender gap in life expectancy. Females generally live longer than males. For example, in 2021, the life expectancy for the total US population was 76.4 years, but it was 79.3 years for females and only 73.5 years for males. This gap is influenced by a combination of biological factors (e.g., genetic differences) and social factors (e.g., men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, have more physically dangerous jobs, and delay seeking medical care).