Final answer:
The transition from agrarian to industrial societies has brought about changes in the perception of the elderly, resulting in issues like neglect and loneliness. Elder care responsibilities, once integral to family life, have now shifted towards individualism and, in some cases, institutionalization. The growing number of the aging population faces challenges such as ageism, elder abuse, and decreased socio-economic roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
As society has evolved from agrarian to industrial, the role and status of elderly people have been significantly altered. Once pivotal to the family structure, the elderly are now more likely to be seen as independent and, at times, as a financial and emotional burden. This perception has contributed to an increase in the incidence of elderly neglect, where issues such as loneliness and distress become more prominent.
In many cultures, the responsibility of elder care traditionally lies with the family. However, with modernization, there has been a shift towards individualism and self-care, leading to a disconnection between generations. Often, the elderly's need for assistance is only acknowledged when they can no longer manage alone, resulting from poor health or frailty. Concurrently, we see a growing demographic of older individuals due to the aging baby boomer population, stressing existing social infrastructure and heightening concerns such as labor shortages and financial stability.
Despite advancements in healthcare allowing for longer lifespans, the aging population faces challenges such as ageism, risk of elder abuse, and deteriorating socio-economic roles. These problems are compounded by the vulnerability that comes with physical frailty and dependency on others for basic needs, while societal attitudes and misconceptions can lead to discrimination and mistreatment.