Chapter 7.2The Adult in Society

Professiona high-status occupation that

requires specialized skills obtained through formal education

Unemploymentthe situation that occurs when a

person does not have a job but is actively seeking employment

CHANGES IN THE NATURE OF WORK & THE LABOR FORCE

Farming and Manufacturingfell from 85% of US labor force in 1900

to 27% in 2000most work is now in professions, office

work, sales & service jobs

Educationworker’s education level has increased◦90% of workers age 25-64 have high school diplomas; 1/3 have college degrees

Womenhave increased as a % of the

total labor forcenow hold about 1/2 of all

professional jobs

Minoritieshave increased as a % of the

total labor force◦Hispanics in particular who are the

fastest growing group of American workers

GERONTOLOGYthe scientific study of the processes & phenomena of aging

The Three Phases of Late Adulthood

Young-OldAges 65-74issues related to the adjustment to retirement

Middle-OldAges 75-84issues related to declining

physical & mental functioning, dependency & death

Old-OldAges 85+issues

related to declining physical & mental functioning, dependency & death

Looking Forward To 65?

Reasons Why Reasons Why Not