CHAPTER 19: MORALES Social Work Practice with Elders

Demographic Factors The most growing segment of the U.S. populations is its older people. Estimated at 37.3 million in 2006, & expected to increase to more than 71.5 million by Population 85+ expected to increase four-fold to 21 million in SW & health care workers most substantial growth industry is with geriatric populations.

The Not So “Golden Years” Three indicators of satisfaction in later years: social contact, income security, & good health. Retirement can be a difficult transition with loss of identity/work contribution & income decline. Changes in the amount and type of support, loss of significant people in your life. Mixed bag in regard to financial well being, 9.4% of elders in US live in poverty.

Where Do Elders Get Income? Social Security provides 37% income of elders. Person’s Earnings generate 28% of elder income. Pensions provide 18% of elder income. Income from assets held by elders generate 15% of income. Other sources generate 3% Elders spend income on: 33% housing, 15.7% transportation, 12.8% health care, & 12.7% food.

Health conditions 74% in 2006 of white elders rated their health good or better. 60.3% black & 62.9% Hispanics said this was true for them. List of physical problems for elder men & women in 2006: overweight 73% (M) 64% (W) Hypertension 52% (M) 54% (W); Hearing prob. 47% (M) 35% (W); Arthritis 43% (M) 54% (W) Heart disease 36% (M) 26% (W)

Mental Health Issues Drug related problems Poverty Stressors Social Isolation Poor Quality of Life Elder Abuse Self Neglect Loss of function Loss of Driver’s License

Intergenerational Caregiving With increased life expectancy, separate generations of children, parents, & grandparents will be able to share many experiences of adulthood such as work, parenting, & even retirement. First time in history of US- the average family has more parents than children. Research indicates that the older generation provides more economic assistance than they receive.

Elder Negative Stereotypes Majority of those over 65 today are healthy, youthful in outlook, actively involved in the world of work, family, and community affairs. Old has become more relative to lifestyle or attitude than chronological age. As a result 65 yrs. Often indicates an opportunity for renewal, development of new skills & goals for leading a satisfying life.

Intervention Strategies with Elders Micro: Financial stability, acute & long-term care, housing assistance, grief counseling. Macro: Fighting against “ageism”. Butler defines ageism as a “process of systematic stereotyping of & discrimination against people that are old. Basic objectives: 1. Promotion of independence. 2. Assistance in obtaining resources for good quality of life. 3. Facilitation of effective interactions in the environment. 4. Influencing policies pro elder care.

Social Workers Responsibilities Preparation & understanding the aging process. Learning about Elder programs: Medicare, Hospice, Social Security, etc. Addressing quality of life issues. Being sensitive to cultural issues that affect elders related to grief. Understanding end of life issues & autonomy. Dealing with own issues related to death & dying