Social aging refers to changes in a person’s roles and relationships, both within their networks of relatives and friends and in formal organizations such as the workplace and houses of worship, according to Mark Novak, author of Issues in Aging, and dean of the department of International and extended studies at San Jose State University.
Deeper Dive
Although social aging can differ from one individual to another, it is also strongly influenced by the perception of aging that is part of a society’s culture. If a society views aging positively, the social aging experienced by individuals in that society will be more positive and enjoyable than in a society that views aging negatively. Social aging and views of the aging process both differ cross-culturally and over time.
Many social gerontologists believe older people benefit both themselves and their society if they remain active and try to continue to perform the roles they had before they aged. As they perform their roles, their perception of the situations they are in is crucial to their perception of their aging and therefore to their self-esteem and other aspects of their psychological well-being.