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Older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic – forgotten and stigmatized?
- Author:
- SEIFERT Alexander
- Journal article citation:
- International Social Work, 64(2), 2021, pp.275-278.
- Publisher:
- Sage
During the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are particularly excluded from in-person society. This essay presents current discussions around self-perceptions and external perceptions of aging during this health crisis. Viewing older adults primarily as members of a risk group hinders recognition of the individuality of millions of older adults worldwide. Social workers should remain aware of the diverse aspects of aging when working with older adults during this pandemic. (Edited publisher abstract)
Professional stances and personal values in the realm of transnational family reunification with older parents: social work practice in an emerging field
- Authors:
- VUILLE Marilene, BOLZMAN Claudio, DURRETT Elisabeth Hirsch
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 16(3), 2013, pp.407-426.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
National rules for family reunification take place in an increasingly transnational context. Social workers in Switzerland, whether they work in services for migrants or for elders, are confronted with requests for transnational family reunification with older parents. While relatively rare, such requests elicit responses which must be viewed as largely founded on professionals' values and norms regarding the care of older people, family cohabitation and the influence of cultural factors. These requests must also be examined against a backdrop of increasing suspicion of motives for migration, especially in fields where migration issues have not been at the forefront of professional debate and practice. The militant stance of some services for migrants can thus be contrasted with the relative inexperience of professionals active in social services for older people, who rarely encounter recent migrants. The latter are more likely to reflect their own private—and unexamined—views when advising clients in a field characterised by complexity and instability. The authors interviewed social workers and families in two Swiss cantons. Their results point to ways in which distinct professional cultures could enrich each other, and provide social workers with tools to critically analyse their own practice in a very difficult field, the contours of which remain largely unexplored. (Edited publisher abstract)
Older people's views of falls-prevention interventions in six European countries
- Authors:
- YARDLEY Lucy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(5), October 2006, pp.650-660.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This study conducted semi-structured interviews to assess perceived advantages and barriers to taking part in falls-related interventions were carried out in six European countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and United Kingdom) with 69 people aged 68 to 97 years. The sample was selected to include people with very different experiences of participation or nonparticipation in falls-related interventions, but all individuals were asked about interventions that included strength and balance training. The results found attitudes were similar in all countries and contexts. People were motivated to participate in strength and balance training by a wide range of perceived benefits (interest and enjoyment, improved health, mood, and independence) and not just reduction of falling risk. Participation also was encouraged by a personal invitation from a health practitioner and social approval from family and friends. Barriers to participation included denial of falling risk, the belief that no additional falls-prevention measures were necessary, practical barriers to attendance at groups (e.g., transport, effort, and cost), and a dislike of group activities. Implications: Because many older people reject the idea that they are at risk of falling, the uptake of strength and balance training programs may be promoted more effectively by maximizing and emphasizing their multiple positive benefits for health and well-being. A personal invitation from a health professional to participate is important, and it also may be helpful to provide home-based programs for those who dislike or find it difficult to attend groups.
Different measures of vulnerability in their relation to different dimensions of fear of crime
- Authors:
- KILLIAS Martin, CLERICI Christian
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Criminology, 40(3), Summer 2000, pp.437-450.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Vulnerability has, in research conducted over the last decade, been found to be significantly related to fear of crime. It seems to be particularly helpful in explaining seemingly disproportionate fear levels among women and the elderly, as well as in a few situational contexts. In the present research, a representative sample of Switzerland's population was interviewed on various aspects of fear of crime in the public sphere. All respondents were asked how they assessed their own ability to escape or resist in case of an attack by a young assailant. In addition, interviewers rated several aspects of respondents' 'visible' vulnerability. It is concluded that, in comparison to demographic and contextual (neighbourhood) variables, physical vulnerability seems to play an important and consistent role in the genesis of fear of crime.