Rite of passage that that marks a critical transition from one phase of life to another.

The study of which the sociological and psychological aspects of aging and the problems of the aged.

Trends going down

See old age as a life stage that is defined by society

an often euphoric period in which the person pursues activities that he or she never had time for ­before

Associates certain social roles with distinct periods in life.

7 phases

See it as a time when people are victimized and their social roles are devalued

which begins when the person can no longer engage in basic, day-to-day activities such as self-care and housework

includes legally prohibited types of behavior, such as employment decision-making related to hiring, promotion, or firing.