America's transition toward an age-irrelevant society

Developmental theories are centered on the supposition that common and foreseeable changes take place in the lives of individuals. This life-span point of view is beneficial in comprehending both change and constancy (Zepelin et al., 1987). Chronological and biological ages are more often than not linked to every developmental phase of human beings and this provides the basis for age norms. The phases differ qualitatively, which implies that various mental, social, and emotional changes take place in the manner in which the individual sees himself or herself and the manner in which others see the individual. In turn, every culture and society expects every individual to think and unction in a manner that is deemed fitting for his or her age. However, this is bound to change (Smart, 2011). This essay makes the argument that America will become an age-irrelevant society.

Up until the present moment, chronological age continues to have an apparent real-world importance in day to day life. Without a doubt, people in the society know their age. Administrative establishments and social programs take into account and affix importance to age as a measure to particular social rights and responsibilities. For instance, in the United States, in the last century the age of 65 was considered to be a key correlate comparison or parallel to retirement, Medicare, Social Security and the commencement of old age. However, this age-relevant society has slowly become problematical and waning. This is especially when social change makes the prevalent age norms all the more impractical in coping with the perceived intricacy of the manner in which adult lives in fact develop (Neugarten and Neugarten, 1996).

For the most part of late adulthood, prevailing age norms are progressively more irrelevant as accurate guiding principles for behavior. For instance, at the turn of the century, the normal age for attaining social security benefits was changed from 5 years to 67 years. In accordance to the United States Census Bureau, the Baby Boomers, who are aged between the bracket of 51 and 69 years, are about 75 million. This figure is expected to rise (Colby and Ortman, 2014). In the present day, American society, people have in numerous ways succeeded in doing away with both childhood and old age from the life span. Nowadays, children in the age of three are able to operate phones, handle computers, and dress up like adults. In the same manner, individuals aged over 60 years are playing a greater part in increasing social capital. This is different from the previous perception that such individuals would be a burden to the society.