Sociology of aging Discussion 6 - Essay Example

Sociology Discussion 6: Sociology of Aging Q Various types of groups that aged people participate in? What is the function of each group?According to Harris (2007), aged people spend most of their lives in companies of others. Therefore, by being social in the company of others, the aged participate in activities that are carried out by occupational, religious, age-groups and family groups. Through these groups the aged interact with other people and as a result, they develop a sense of identification with other people and themselves.

For example, by interacting with other people who are of the same age-group, they find that they share common experiences and interests. Such discoveries inform the aged people to know that any unpleasant experiences they might experience as they grow old is part of the aging process and that they are not alone. Occupational groups help the aged people to learn new experiences together and face challenges together as a group. Family groups are also helpful because they promote a social bonding between the aged, allowing them to help each other out, without making judgments.Q. 2.

Which group (retirement communities, organizations and primary groups) better serves individuals?I find that retirement communities serve the aged better than other groups. Retirement communities might not be to every person’s liking, but they offer aged buyers with homes that are affordable and a range of services. Organizations and primary groups tend to have services that are not specifically meant for the aged. For example, in retirement communities, it is easier to find emergency and transport services which are either offered at discount prices or free.

Organizations have to focus on making profit. Therefore, they do not offer services for the aged at subsidized prices. In addition, retirement communities have more people who are retiring. According to Harris (2007), the aged people tend to interact more with people who are the same age as them. Hence, a retirement community provides the aged with this opportunity. Organizations and primary groups are not highly likely to have many aged people.ReferenceHarris, D. (2007). “Chapter 6: Social, groups, organizations and retirement communities.

” In The sociology of aging. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Inc.