Historically Thinking
Episode 385: Golden Years
Nov 25, 2024
Join James Chappel, Gilhuly Family Associate Professor of History at Duke University, as he unpacks how the 1935 Social Security Act revolutionized American perceptions of aging. He highlights shifts from stigmatized language to dignified terms like 'senior citizens.' The discussion dives into the impact of advocacy groups, the evolution of retirement from elites to the working class, and Florida's rise as a retirement hotspot. Chappel emphasizes the importance of recognizing older individuals' active roles in society and calls for innovative approaches to aging policy.
55:33
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Quick takeaways
- The passage of the 1935 Social Security Act marked a transformative shift in American perceptions of aging, leading to a more dignified identity for older adults.
- Activist organizations played a pivotal role in shaping aging policies and narratives in America, advocating for equity and justice for older generations throughout history.
Deep dives
The Concept of Old Age in American Society
The perception of old age in America began to shift significantly around the time of the 1935 Social Security Act, which marked a pivotal moment in how society viewed older individuals. Prior to this era, the term 'the aged' was commonly used, reflecting a stigmatizing notion that older people required help and were a burden. The establishment of Social Security provided older adults with secure income, transforming their status from that of the aged to 'senior citizens,' a term that emerged in the post-World War II period as older individuals began to assert a more dignified identity. This evolution reflects a broader cultural transformation in the United States regarding the role and respect afforded to older generations.
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