Education and Society (शिक्षण आशण समाज) ISSN: 2278-6864

(UGC Care Journal) Vol-47, Issue-2, No.1, April-June : 2023

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH ELDERLY

Renaldo Stanley Rajkumar, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. 641-046. (Email: renaldorajkumar.19@[Link]).
D. Nancy, Guest Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore,
Tamilnadu. 641-046. (Email:nancysw2022@[Link])
Dr. F.X. Lovelina Little Flower, Professor and Head, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. 641-046. (Email: fxlovely@[Link]).

Abstract
People in this world have the right to live their life irrespective of their age without
exploitation. Social structure and social values of many nations has been altered with major inclusion
and exclusion factors for the aged population. Social work as a profession satisfies all the aspects
through scientific knowledge andhas the capacity to understand and analyze the human relationships.
Geriatric social work as a branch of social work deals with the elderly population is givenmore
importance because it emphasizes with the vulnerability and social insecurity of the aged population.
Many dimensional aspects make this vulnerable section also most important and valuable for the
society, Social workers on inculcating the younger generation the elderly importance through their
curriculum and education helps them to address independently the crisis situations of the elderly
when needed, thus through these practices elderly abuse is also prevented. This paper also drafts
some of the Indian Governmental schemes and policies benefitting the elderly population for their
social and medical security. The aim of this paper is to analyse the need, importance and scope of
geriatric social workwith some suggestions to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the
geriatric population through social work practices.

Key Words: Elderly, Vulnerable Section, Human Relationship, Quality of Life.

“It is necessary to combine knowledge born from study with sincere practice in our daily lives.
These two must go together”
Dalai Lama
Introduction
People in this world irrespective of age have the right to live without abuse, exploitation and
neglect (H.R. Manoj. (2017).Aging is a biological process where every living creature should come
across in their life time. Aging is understood by the chronological age with a cut off of 60 to 65 years
which can have a slight modification with variation between nations making the retirement age in
most of the developed and developing countries(Caring for Our Elders, 2017).The reality of the
elderly population is not the same globally as most of the developing nations majority of the elderly
live in common with their children and grandchildren as they have a dependency and tend to share
the family resources, but it is not the case in the developed nations as most of the children leave their
parental homes and seek for independency (United Nations, 2011). India is one of two population
superpower nation with increased in longevity ratio and falling in fertility ratio which has resulted in
the increase of the elderly population and has questioned many complex situations like health,
economic, social, political and even poverty (Population Aging in India, 2016). Globally the
population of the elderly is on thepeak compared to the general population as the social institutions
like United Nations, Local and National Government, Non Profit Organizations face a huge crisis of
unpreparedness regarding the consequences (Caring for Our Elders, 2017). Aging provides a
proposition for the sustainable development as the elderly active contribution for the society helps
the nation in the development of many areas including economy, labour market, improvement of
society, and cultural competency thus their participation make a huge positive difference as their
experience, skill and knowledgecannot be neglected by only considering their age and health factor
(Ageing, Older Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development).
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(UGC Care Journal) Vol-47, Issue-2, No.1, April-June : 2023
Social structure and social values of many nation are been altered from the usualtraditional
scenario to modern western scenario which has resulted in the formation of industrialization and
urbanization with major inclusion and exclusion criteria of the aged population in various
[Link] increase in the population of the elderly is a challenging factor to the world nations
which requires more knowledgeableand expert professionals who are potential to handle any crisis
situations of the aged population. Gerontological social workers are the experts who are capable in
dealing with the process of aging, care giving and address the problems of the elderly with the
suitable intervention (Ushvinder kaur Popil, Et al, 2018).Hence the profession of social work with
many core areas of its own practices with the geriatric section of the societywhere theaged
populations importance and their presence for the development of society is stressed to the most in
spite of other perspectives like poverty, health and dependency.

Social work - A Profession

Social work is a profession which has scientific knowledge and the capacity to analyse and
understand the human relationship. The career promotes social change and encourages empowerment
for the individuals in the community, with the help of certain theories this profession improves the
wellbeing of the society with fundamentals like human rights and social justice,based on these
fundamental aspects the professions value system is determined. Social Work profession helps an
individual to develop ones potential to live and this profession is a changing agent for most of the
people in the society. Social Work provokes value system within the individual, group and
community and strengthens the social relationship (Ushvinder kaur Popil, Et al, 2018).
Professional subject has two areas to be satisfied those two areas are technical aspects and
practical aspects even social work profession addresses those two areas and establishes
professionalism. Technical approach is based on the scientific and rational knowledge which
emphasise on the scientific explanation and interventions. The second is the practical approach
which includes the personal excellence, worth, value etc, thus with these two areas social work
promotes the social justice to all section of the society especially the vulnerable [Link] work
is an autonomous profession which has concern especially for ethics and values,though this
profession faces most complex problems in the society it has the capacity to adapt to the environment
using skills and knowledge creating its own history of existence making social work a profession
(Penelope Welbourne, 2009).

Gerontology and Geriatric Social Work

Gerontological social work is a special branch in social work profession which deals with
education, research and support system of the elderly. This specific field focuses on the process of
aging and also with the social and psychological factors of aging etc, this field of social work
enhances the dignity self-determination, personal satisfaction, self-actualization and a decent living
standard focusing on the unique needs of the diversified older population(Ushvinder kaur Popil, Et
al, 2018).Geriatric social work is the branch in social work which focuses on the prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases specifically to the aging population, trained care
givers identify the elder’s specific needs considering both physical and mental aspects and handle the
complex situations with prescribed care (Sam Sangeeth G, Et al, 2016). Social work with the elderly
also focuses on protection, conservation, health and excellence in [Link] existence of many
obstaclesmakes these areas more difficulty and geriatric social workersprepare themselves to face the
pressures and approach the obstaclesthrough multidimensional perspectives. Social workers working
with the elderly has a huge care and concern as they provide not only social support rather emotional
and psychological support which helps in enchasing the self-respect and esteem within the elderly.
Geriatric social workers have the responsibility of maintaining the case records, reviewing
periodically, strategically planning etc, which strengthens the trust and ensures excellence in their
services (M. Mahalakshmi, Et al, 2018).
The predominant aim of the geriatric social workers is to ensure the elderly issues are to be
addressed systematicallyand promote healthy aging. Working with the old population needs passion,
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compassion and [Link] social work profession hasdeveloped to an extent by inculcating
knowledge through the courses on the importance of elderly with various academic and professional
skills, legislation policies, and human rights thus transforming them the globaltrusted supporters of
the elderly population (Ushvinder kaur Popil, Et al, 2018).

An analysis of elderly population – global view

Globally every country experience the challenges of the elderly population speciallyin the
developing nations like India, Pakistan and China and that of the developed countries like America,
Russia and France (Ushvinder kaur Popil, Et al, 2018). The elderly population which is 60 plus of
age group is around 11.5 percentage out of the total 7 billion, it is estimated that in the year 2050 the
proportion may have an increase in a peak of 22 percentage thus it has been an evident that the
elderly age group will be the fastest growing segment thus making it clear that the children and the
youth population will have a reduction. It is also predicted that in the developed countriesthe
population of the elderly in the year 2012 has been estimated as 22.4 percentage and by the year
2050 the elderly population may have its peak of 20.2 percentage (Caring for Our Elders, 2017).As
the elderly population is on the peak and expected still to be in its peaktheir existence cannot be
[Link] is important to ensure their development, health, safety and security. Like the medical
health professionals which includes medical doctors, nurses, therapist, dietician, and medical
technicians etc, Social Workers also have some important unique role to perform by extremely
providing better care and support which includes physiological, social and emotional support through
inter professional and multi-dimensional assessment which improve the quality of life and wellbeing
of the elderly(Minimol, K, 2016).

The need for elderly population

The elderly population is one of the most important groups and their presence cannot be
neglected in the society because their experience and exposure in all the segments contribute for the
wellness of the society and they act as the traditional and cultural transformers for the next
generation helping the new and emerging generations to understand the heritage. Elderly population
has many trusted benefits for the society and family among them there are four important areas they
are economic development, unpaid care work, political participation and social capital(Ageing, Older
Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development).

Economic Development
The elderly population contributes a high value for the development of economy which is the
backbone of every nation elderly workforce participate formally and informally making sustainable
contribution for the revenue generation. The contribution is possible through consumption and
transfer of asserts as majority of their retirement sum is been invested in resources for their
relaxation and for the use of future generation through which tax, workforce and labour market etc, is
addressed, the elderly also have a huge contribution towards the entrepreneurial system like share
markets which also becomes the source of sustainability revenue for the nation economic
development (Ageing, Older Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development).

Unpaid Care Workers

Elderly population especially the women have a huge responsibility towards the family and
for the society as they act as unpaid trusted caretakers for their grandchildren thus the working
population stress and concern for their children is relieved which makes them focus more on a stress
free work, likewise the elderly population act as a unpaid care takers for the family’s disabled
children thatimproves the value system of the family and promotes social service for free of cost
(Ageing, Older Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development).

Political participation

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Actual knowledge emerges from experience and exposure. The elderly carry with them these
two factors and invest these factors in the participation of politics and economy. The seniority
population has many exposure and experience which is been inculcated in the young minds of the
next generation leading the country more stable and sustainable to face any crisis situation with the
support and knowledge from the elderly. Elderly population in a greater number involves in one of
the prime duty as many studies and governmental statistics have proved that the elderly population
are more responsible in participation of voting and their contribution in the politics makes revolution
in choosing the government (Ageing, Older Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
development).

Social Capital
Social capital is the system of relationship among and between people living in a particular
society and enabling the society to function properly on its own in an effectively manner. Elderly
population is also a network of relationship connected with the government public and community
through volunteering activities which strengthens the social capital and terms them as the guardians
of the society because their knowledge, skills, experience and exposurefacilitates the youth
generation to protect and preserve the culture and heritage values (Ageing, Older Persons and the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable development).
Hence the elderly population is a wealth for the nation and it is important to facilitate them
with proper support as their field of expertise is vast. In spite of their vulnerability they should be
treated socially in equal by providing affordability and availability of health care services without
any bias is their rights and it is a social workers prime duty to ensure their rights are not been
violated to any extent. Mostly 85 percentage of the elderly still today in the developing nations
depend on others for their livelihood and day to day maintenance (Mane, A. B., 2016), due to their
retirement the economic dependency they face is the main reason for the physical and psychological
problem their social security is questioned and the growth of new technology makes the condition
more worse.
It is important for the geriatric social workers to understand the social, psychological and
physical aspects of the elderly. Increase in the life expectancy should not been seen as a burden
rather it should be encouraged. Every social work institutions should promote well beings and
quality of life by developing an integrated responsive system which meets the need and supports the
elderly for their sustainability.

Social workers practice with elderly

Social work practices with the elderly have its own history which is influenced by poverty,
health, welfare and discrimination. During 1970s and 1980s the focus for the practice with the
elderly was given low priority rather children, youth and women was the highly focused area of
concern because the social work investments for the elderly care was huge and was considered an
unwanted investment(Mo Ray, Et al, 2014).The twenty first century created a turnover for the elderly
as their contribution for the society through multi-dimensional approach had made the society
understand their importance and presence and has led to establishment of ministries in the
government particularly for the elderly population in various countries and also emergence of huge
number of charitable organizations worldwide.
Social work practice involves a set of interventions with individuals, family community, and
some other human service agency. Social work practice is concentrated with helping various
stakeholders who are in need and develop the capacities to help themselves with the application of
methods and techniques tested over a period of time (Chukwu Ngozi, Et al, 2017). Social work
practice with the elderly is based onimproving the capacity of performance and excellence of the
elderly living, this assessment is focused on a multidimensional approach and derives with the
suitable intervention (M. Mahalakshmi, Et al, 2018).

ElderlyAbuse
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Elderly abuse is mostly a hidden crime which the senior citizens are unwilling to speak with
other groups and among themselves because of various reasons like shame, embarrassment, fear, and
loosing of self-worth and [Link] age and due to that increase in health challenges makes
them frustrated and depressed as they feel neglected in the society. Elderly abuse takes various forms
like physical, emotional, sexual and financial reasons which make them more stressful leading
tophysical and psychological problems. The stakeholder’s responsible, intentional and unintentional
neglect for such abusing activitiesis from the trusted groups like family members and professional
caretakers (H.R. Manoj. (2017).A profession with qualified professionals knowing the elder
population worth, value and importance will handle them in a trust worthy manner facilitating the
groupswith their wants and needs fulfilled. Professional social workers make this reality possible as
they have trained experience in handling these population groups with strategy, skills and knowledge
and thus strengthening the life of elders for their prosperity in living.

Role of geriatric social worker

The role of the geriatric social workers is uncountable and some of the specific areas include
educating the family to understand the behaviour of the elderly population and teach the family
members the indicators of abnormality and illness. Geriatric social work helps to build networks with
easy accessibility of health for the elderly and also inculcates the importance of mental health and
wellbeing. Geriatric social workers establish themselves into various settingsfromhealth to care
takers as their contribution towards elderly service is on improving day by day (Ushvinder kaur
Popil, Et al, 2018).
The geriatric social workers have also moved to next level of services making their role even
more specific like acting as volunteers in emergency situation, continuously providing awareness
programs on eating habits, provide emergency medicallifesaving campaigns, rehabilitation to the
elders and their family members, pressuring mass media on the importance of elderly care and
advertising the violations of elderly to the public, enabling the elderly to have knowledge in their
elderly benefits, stressing the need and importance to make the children engage with the elderly
community, undertaking research activities to study the multi-dimensional aspects of the elderly
issues, applying social work methods and provide interventions for their development, educating the
community for social inclusion of the elderly, apart from all the aspects they promote wellbeing and
quality of life for the elderly population (Sam Sangeeth G, Et al, 2016).

Government Schemes and Policies for the Elderly

The government of India along with the state government, union territories and private
NGO’s has implemented many schemes for the benefit of the senior citizens for their social, financial
and medical benefits. The constitution of India also has provisions for the protection of old age
population making them feel secured to live. Here are some of the important schemes and policies
benefitting the Indian elderly population by the government of India.

[Link] Government Ministry Objectives

Schemes
1. Integrated Programme Ministry of Social Grant-in-aid provided for Old age homes,
for Senior Citizen Justice and Care Homes.
(IPSrC) Empowerment.
2. Rashtrya VayoshriMinistry of Social Provide physical aids to the disabled
Yojana (RVY) Justice and Below poverty Line senior citizens.
Empowerment.
3. Senior Citizen Ministry of Social Promote financial security of senior
Welfare Fund Justice and citizens.
Empowerment.
4. National Council For Ministry of Social Provide welfare to senior citizen and
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Older Person (NCOP) Justice and enhance their quality of life.
Empowerment.
5. Vayoshreshtha Ministry of Social To recognize the efforts made by senior
Samman Justice and citizens and Provide national award.
Empowerment.
6. National Social Ministry of Rural Provide social security and social welfare
Assistant Program Development. program under IGNOAPS.
(NSAP)
7. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Ministry of Provide social security through Life
Vandana Yojana Finance. Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.
(PMVVY)
8. National Program for Ministry of Provide dedicated health service to the
Health Care of the Health and elderly at various levels of state health care
Elderly (NPHCE) Family Welfare. delivery system.
9. Longitudinal Aging Ministry of Assess the health, economic and social
Study in India (LASI) Health and status of the elderly population in India.
Family Welfare.

These are some popular schemes and policies benefit the elderly population and make them
feel secured and independent. These schemes and policies are made transparent through social
workers helping the aged to utilise and benefit out of it (Senior Citizens Guide 2016).

Future of Geriatric Social Work

The scope of geriatric social work is improving day by day as the growing elderly population
requires support and care management, the future of elderly population has a high chances to face
many risk factors like isolation, economic dependency, technological dependency, poverty,
neglecting from the family, discrimination etc, if this exist further social justice and human rights for
this vulnerable section will be a question in the future. Geriatric social work with the elderly has
emerged in the “ethnic of care” which supports the aged population providing high quality care
management. The investments in the area of research activity sponsored by united and various
nations has brought out many opportunities to work with the elderly population (Mo Ray, Et al,
2014). This profession of working with the elderly needs innovation and implication of the best
practices as mastering in this area is a challenging task and the scope for the social workers
practicing with the geriatric social work has the chance to dominate with other professions.

Suggestions
1. Geriatric social work should sensitize the young youth population on their responsibility
towards the elderly care management through various means of mass media and education.
2. Undertaking research activities for the elderly and identifies and analyse their special needs
through interventions and advertising the schemes and the policies of the government and
educating them for their improvement in quality of life style.
3. Encouraging more private and public institutions and recreational homes to work for the
elderly and provide responsible program and promote welfare activity.
4. Inculcating geriatric management as one of a subject for the school and college student as this
education may help them to address the emergency situations and make the younger
generations have a positive approach during any crisis situation.
5. More elderly adaptations centres should be promoted by the social workers as the future
generations will have a chance to expose and learn culture and heritage from the experienced
minds.

Conclusion

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It is important to understand that improvement in wellbeing and quality of life is an essential
factor that enhances the elder population to have a positive sense of self-worth and autonomy. Many
studies have stressed and predicted that the futures elderly population if exposed todiscrimination
and isolation is an injustice shown towards them rather the young and working population should
find necessary possibilities to cope up with them with the support and help from geriatric social
workers. Education should address the importance of elderly care management and inculcate the
worth of the elderly in the young minds. Being a profession social work field has a greater role to
perform in the area of geriatrics teaching the present and the future generation theworth of elderly
population.

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