Industrial and Postindustrial Societies
In industrial societies. living standards improve and advances in medicine contribute to greater longevityfor more people. Although it is often believed that lessindustrialized countries accord greater honor. prestige. and respect to older people. some studies have found that the stereotypical belief that people in such nations will be taken care of by their relatives. particularly daughters and sons. is not necessarily true today (Martin and Kinsella, 1994). In postindustrial societies. information technologies are extremely important. and a large proportion of the working population is employed in service-sector occupations in the fields of education and health care. both of which may benefit older people. Some more affluent older people may move away from family and friends upon retirement in pursuit of recreational facilities or a better climate (such as the popular move from the no the astern United States to the southern “sunbelt” states). Others may relocate to be closer to children or other relatives. The shift from a society that was primarily young to a society that is older will bring about major changes in societal patterns and in the needs of the population. Issues that must be addressed include the health care system, the Social Security system, transportation. housing. and recreation.
