The ageing demographic transition: The impact on elderly and social workers

Abstract

The issues associated with an ageing population pose substantial challenges for governments globally. Social workers are well suited to respond to the challenges of this demographic change. However, there is a severe shortage of social workers that are skilled in working in this field. This article looks at the ageing demographic transition, how support for the increasing older population will be a problem, and the issues that may impact older people,as well as social workers. How discrimination, culture and ethics inform social work practice, and the legislation and policies that are available for the aged. The article also looks at the knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and models of practice that are used by social workers in working with the older generation.

Meeting the social support needs of older rural people in Central Otago: The impact of a pilot social work position

“…These specialist roles can coordinate healthcare and services for older people and assist with transitions between primary and secondary care. Another key value lies in the social worker's ability to challenge ageism through advocacy and education (Aldrich, 2010). This includes improving the visibility and value of older people within their communities, thus empowering older community members (Lloyd & Sullivan, 2018).…”

“…Effective social work for older people also requires a unique skillset that is underpinned by strength-based models of practice (Aldrich, 2010;Foster & Beddoe, 2012). This includes an eclectic knowledge base with an understanding of mental health and psychosocial issues in older adults, and family issues (Aldrich, 2010).…”

“…Effective social work for older people also requires a unique skillset that is underpinned by strength-based models of practice (Aldrich, 2010;Foster & Beddoe, 2012). This includes an eclectic knowledge base with an understanding of mental health and psychosocial issues in older adults, and family issues (Aldrich, 2010). Familiarity with healthcare and welfare systems and processes, as well as financial and legal structures and provision of public and private supports is also necessary (Aldrich, 2010).…”

“…This includes an eclectic knowledge base with an understanding of mental health and psychosocial issues in older adults, and family issues (Aldrich, 2010). Familiarity with healthcare and welfare systems and processes, as well as financial and legal structures and provision of public and private supports is also necessary (Aldrich, 2010). Core competencies include the ability to organise and mobilise community support and strengthen community networks.…”

Social work with older adults in primary health – is it time to move our focus?

“…Changing trends internationally indicate the delivery of primary health care services have included multi-disciplinary teamwork and a move away from episodic reactive service delivery to more planned systematic service delivery (Smith & Cumming, 2009). Services grounded in ideals of positive ageing also require attention to cultural needs and aspirations (Aldrich, 2010) and the rejection of ageism. These approaches incorporate a set of philosophies that the profession can clearly align with.…”