Age and Capacity Devaluation

Abstract

Aging is generally associated with declining capacities and decreased activity. Social usage and employment practices suggest that chronological age influences capacity evaluation as an independent status attribute. The prevalence of disability increases with age; the rate of severe disability rises markedly at ages 55-64. The relationship of age and disability was examined in terms of capacity limitations, performance requirements, and flexibility attributes. Older men, aged 55-64, were found to be more severely disabled than younger men when other factors affecting the severity of disability, such as health, functional limitations, education and occupation at onset of disability, were taken into account. It is suggested that the residual capacities of older men become devalued when they depart from the normative expectations for working-age men through impairment or loss of occupational security. Capacity losses are more threatening to older than to younger men. The age norms do not provide for premature superannuation; disability permits behavioral modifications for incapacitated men which are not provided for in the age norms and employment practices. The possibility and problems of prevention of disability through job adaptation are considered.