Hume George, DianaMacMillan, Brooke2017-01-092017-01-092017-01-09http://hdl.handle.net/11603/3763This manuscript explores the world’s fastest-growing demographic: the elderly. We are moving into a hyper-aging era in which people are living longer — the average life expectancy increases by more than five hours a day. But older people are experiencing less social inclusion and cultural equity than ever before. I explore the implications of this dynamic by looking at the treatment of old age throughout history, the science behind the aging brain (and its capacity for creativity), and a comparative look at elder care policy in Scotland and America. I relate my experiences of growing up in nursing homes, and the life lessons learned spending time with older people in Scottish care homes.140 p.en-USThis work is restricted for 10 years from the date listed above. No access will be permitted until the embargo has expired. Once the embargo expires the work is available only on Goucher College's campus.ElderlyOld AgeNursing homesCare homesScotlandAge in place"Aging in Scotland"DementiaAging brainAlzheimer’sEpigeneticsOral historiesHyper-agingC.T.E.History of old ageReshaping Care InitiativeElder Care PolicyOlder PeopleWyomingBaby BoomersMedicaidMedicareBrain specimen"lengething lifespans"EnablementIstanbulStrokegerascophobia"Late Style"Creative nonfiction -- Theses.Text