Gerontology is a relatively unexplored field in relation to the entire human civilization. Since we are in the demographic infancy of old age, it is said that we are still in a phase of social and cultural exploration of old age. Therefore, what we witness today, such as old age, has not yet settled into a stable culture or environment. Instead, in the years and decades ahead, the facts and processes of old age are likely to undergo rapid changes in both cultural and behavioral representation. Although some individuals reached old age before the 20th century, today almost 50% of the population reaches the age of 75. Like the rest of the developing world, Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in the proportion and absolute number of older people. Taking as a reference point the traditional retirement age of 65 which marks the beginning of "old age", approximately 12.1% of the Australian population, or 1.85 million people, fall into this category, with the group of age 80 or older who grows more rapidly. (Baltes &Graf, 1996; Browning, Gething, Helmes, Luszcz, Turner, Ward & Wells, 2000) Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Aging is not simply a biological phenomenon experienced identically by all people, nor are they necessarily separate phases or states of being that simply “come along” The aging process must be represented as a social process , physical, psychological and spiritual in which individuals have created for themselves or imposed themselves. Older adults experience and give meaning to their aging within the constraints of specific material (e.g., issues such as housing, income, and access to relevant services) and social (e.g., issues such as ageism and discrimination) conditions based on age; race and empowerment; cultural and linguistic diversity). The experiences of past and future cohorts are likely to be very different from those of today, so care must be taken when communicating current data to future populations. Older adults have many experiences in common with other age groups and share many of their interests. For example, people may experience homelessness, poverty, or homeownership in various groups. Current studies on aging show that policies and practices of elderly care and rehabilitation reflect a pessimistic and negative view of old age – a form of ageism that characterizes older people as useless and dependent. , allowing younger generations to see elders as different from themselves, thus subtly ceasing to identify with their elders as human beings. Ageism, like all prejudices, influences the self-view and behavior of its victims. Older adults tend to adopt negative definitions of themselves and perpetuate stereotypes directed against them, thus reinforcing society's beliefs. Social expectations regarding old age and older adults tend to be negative, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the expectations expressed by others in interactions. Research on conversation aimed at older adults indicates that caregivers tend to modify their speech more in terms of stereotyped communication needs than in terms of the actual individual needs of specific older individuals. In turn, the tendency to overly accommodate one's language is exaggerated when individuals show signs of disability or dependency. Although institutionalized elderly people or those suffering from cognitive confusion are the most targetedLikely patronizing or infantilizing speeches, even healthy older adults in the community complain of this type of behavior. (Ryan, 1991) Pratt & Norris (1994) provide that the evidence regarding understanding speech sounds in adulthood generally suggests that healthy older adults perform as well as younger groups on such tasks under optimal conditions. However, an important issue in older populations concerns the role of sensory disability, particularly both auditory and visual, increases markedly in late adulthood. There are also a number of physiological changes in the vocal tract that accompany aging, as well as changes in the speed and clarity of speech, which may be the basis for this identification. Therefore, the production of speech sounds in older adults is quite characteristic, particularly for those in poor physiological condition. However, there is little evidence that this seriously impairs listener comprehension of older adult speakers. On the other hand, there is considerable evidence that younger listeners rate speakers with "older" vocal characteristics as less competent, possibly due to stereotypical expectations about aging. (Pratt & Norris, 1994, Ryan, 1991) Human service professionals and older people's organizations play a key role in developing strategies that reflect and support positive approaches to aging, taking care to avoid the dangers of supports that reinforce negative stereotypes, such as old being 'sick and frail' and young people being 'normal' as if they were universal. Previous studies have had a negative effect in comparing normal elderly people with disabled ones. Fontaine and Solomon (1995) reflect that, as people live longer and fuller lives, negative views of aging and old age are replaced by evaluations of the aging process, and that older adults emphasize alternatives and choices. The concept of aging well does not ignore the fact that many older people experience disability, illness, poverty and isolation: a person can age well despite adverse circumstances. Understanding how people acquire needed services, maintain social support, and create a subjectively positive reality in the face of adversity can lead to public policies, programs, services, and a social environment in which more people can age well. (Fontaine & Solomon, 1995; Browning et al, 2000) Ryff & Essex (1991) argue for a negativism implicit in many previous approaches to psychological well-being in later life and that this research was conducted with measures of 'illness' rather than measures of "illness" measures of well-being. Current research identifies “wellbeing” more than the absence of “disease” (subjective research versus objective research). To reinforce this, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) provides a positive document (Browning et al, 2000) as a contribution to the International Year of the Older Person which reflects on how to promote successful aging in the older individual. The APS document delves into the impact and policy responses to population ageing, independence and self-provisioning, healthy aging and attitudes, lifestyle and community support. (Browning et al, 2000; Ryff & Essex, 1991) Theoretical perspectives on the positive psychological functioning of older adults include Maslow's (1968, cited in Ryff & Essex, 1991) view that self-actualization is the final stage of development; describes this stage as strong feelings of empathy and affection for all human beings and capable of greater love, deeper friendship anda more complete identification with others. Adult development theories such as Erikson's (1959, cited in Ryff & Essex, 1991) also emphasize achieving intimacy with others and the guidance and directions of others. The importance of positive relationships with others is repeatedly emphasized in these conceptions of psychological well-being. Lifespan theories also give explicit emphasis on continuous growth and dealing with new challenges or tasks at different periods of life. Therefore, continuous growth and self-actualization are also important themes in the theories mentioned above. The integration of these theories points to converging aspects of positive psychological functioning. (Ryff & Essex, 1991) The current approach to aging supported by the Australian Government and presented as one of the main themes of the International Year of the Older Person (IYOP) is that of 'successful ageing'. Successful aging involves maintaining mental, physical and social health. It is closely linked to quality of life. Butler (1991, cited in Browning, 2000) defines it in terms of four forms of fitness: physical, intellectual, social and purposeful fitness. Physical fitness refers to physical strength, resilience and ability. Intellectual fitness refers to keeping the mind engaged and active. Social fit involves forming and maintaining meaningful personal relationships. Fit for purpose refers to having positive feelings of self-worth and control over one's life. Battersby (1998, cited in Browning, 2000) also agrees with Butler's definition of conveying the importance of having a positive outlook on aging and aging. Previous groups were largely willing to accept unequal relationships between “expert” professionals and “passive” clients or patients. But many older people are now less willing to be passive recipients of care and firmly believe that service providers have a responsibility to listen to them. They believe they are entitled to choice and control over their lives, and in theory this belief is supported by government policy that emphasizes consumer rights. (Browning et al, 2000) Failure to listen to consumers has been shown to have a negative impact on their well-being. For example, research conducted by Gething, Fethney and Blazely (1998, cited in Browning, 2000) in a major rehabilitation hospital for older people in Sydney revealed that older people and carers were unaware of client goals. Older adults reported feeling unconsulted about their needs and that the treatment they received did not meet these needs or prepare them for a successful return to community life. It is important to recognize the impact on well-being and freedom of choice of government policies and professional practice whose methods appear to be in the best interests of the older person, but which, if implemented without considering the particular life situation of each individual, can inhibit empowerment and well-being. (Browning et al, 2000) There is more diversity within any age cohort than there is between cohorts. Australian law and policy recognize diversity by recognizing minority groups whose well-being must be promoted through the provision of services tailored to meet their needs. Examples of such groups are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people of non-English speaking origins. Strategies that take this diversity into account are important, but should avoid the danger of assuming that all people within a given group are the same. Stoller and Gibson (1994, cited in Browning, 2000) argue that older adults, 2000)