Modernization and the status of the frail elderly: Perspectives on continuity and change

Regardless of whether important changes in the status and roles of the young-old have occurred as societies modernize, attitudes and behavior toward frail, dependent elders have been remarkably consistent over time and place: though sometimes tolerated, they have never been valued. This paper reviews the evidence for their continuing low status over time, using four overlapping perspectives: the frail elderly as resource, as impediment, as low priority, and as victim. The conclusion is that over the course of human history there has been more continuity than change for the frail elderly as assets, as burden, and as low priority. But processes associated with modernization, especially in the medical sphere, have exacerbated their plight as potential victims; death-hastening and delayed death are the two major types of victimization discussed. Finally, implications for aging societies worldwide are considered.