Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Social exclusion and quality of life of excluded older people
- Authors:
- SCHARF Thomas, PHILLIPSON Chris, SMITH Allison E.
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 9(3), September 2005, pp.32-35.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article reports on findings from a study commissioned by the Social Exclusion Unit to inform its work on excluded older people. It covers the key findings with recommendations for ways in which Government might better meet the needs of some of Britain's most disadvantaged older people. The research draws on 32 in-depth interviews and 10 case studies of people aged 60 and over living in socially deprived neighbourhoods of Liverpool, Manchester and the London borough of Newham, who experience more than one type of exclusion.
Social exclusion and insecurity among older Europeans: the influence of welfare regimes
- Author:
- OGG Jim
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 25(1), January 2005, pp.69-90.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Explores social exclusion among older Europeans from 10 countries with 3 types of welfare regime, Nordic, Mediterranean and post-socialist. Data from the first round of the new European Social Survey are used to explore indicators of social exclusion. A measure of social exclusion and insecurity is constructed from indicators of regularity of meeting with friends and relatives, taking part in social activities, self-rated physical and mental health and income, and local area quality. Results confirm the findings of previous research showing a link between developed welfare regimes and low rates of social exclusion in old age. At the same time, more developed welfare regimes appear to deal less well with effects of separation and divorce. Mediterranean regimes show distinctive signs of stress, suggesting the supplementation or replacement of weakened immediate and extended family ties has not taken place. In all countries a higher level of education appears to play a crucial role in reducing the chances of being insecure or socially excluded in old age.
Making life better for older people: an economic case for preventative services and activities
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 52p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The experience of exclusion is not unique to older people - it affects people of all ages. However, exclusion can be particularly acute in later life. It is all to rare that people who are excluded in mid-life are able to break the cycle of exclusion in later life, indeed it can often become more acute. The impact of age discrimination on both the aspirations of individuals and the environment within which they operate can lead to exclusion. Too often this exclusion is compounded by the failure of services which are not managed cost-effectively.
Older people's participation in political activity - making their voices heard: a potential support role for welfare professionals in countering ageism and social exclusion
- Authors:
- POSTLE Karen, WRIGHT Peter, BERESFORD Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Practice: Social Work in Action, 17(3), September 2005, pp.173-189.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The discrimination that older people in the UK experience is replicated in barriers restricting their participation in political activity. The social exclusion that many older people encounter is compounded by political exclusion. Drawing on findings from research, this paper explores key issues relating to older people's participation, highlighting their disillusion with traditional political activity and the exacerbation of their exclusion through powerlessness. Some older people are taking part in new forms of political activity, marking a shift of focus from self-help to campaigning. This indicates their need to participate in political activity around issues directly affecting them. They frequently gain strength and encouragement from campaigning achievements. This offers potential for building capacity among older people. By supporting such activity and involving older people in the development of policies and services, health and social care workers can support older people to counter discrimination and influence issues that particularly affect them.
Digital Unite: making IT part of everyday life
- Author:
- ADAMS Gill
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 9(2), June 2005, pp.22-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Digital Unite programmes are now becoming avaliable to housing providers throughout the UK. The programmes are designed to show how a community of older people who are IT literate and in full ownership of their own IT literacy project can be created, aided and supported by their housing provider. This article argues the benefical reasons why sheltered housing residents should be part of cyberspace.
Living on the margins: older people, place and social exclusion
- Authors:
- ABBOTT Pamela, SAPSFORD Roger
- Journal article citation:
- Policy Studies, 26(1), March 2005, pp.29-46.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Argues that in both policy and economic debates the specifically local experiences of older people living in deprived neighbourhoods have been ignored. It describes research undertaken in an area of material deprivation and low access to 'social capital', on the margins of Middlesbrough both geographically and socially. A health and lifestyle survey of older people in the area was supplemented by Community Futures Workshops at which residents discussed problems and solutions. Main concerns raised were a fear of crime and the need for better maintenance of the area, better transport and locally provided health services. Beyond this, residents spoke of a need for older people to be valued rather than relegated to the margins. Their experiences are contrasted with those of older people living in a materially advantaged neighbourhood to highlight the specific problems experienced as a product of social and geographical place.
‘I’m like a tree a million miles from the water’s edge’: social care and Inclusion of older people with visual impairment
- Authors:
- PERCIVAL John, HANSON Julienne
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 35(2), March 2005, pp.189-205.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The care and support of older people with visual impairment is a neglected public-policy issue, despite the growing numbers affected by sight loss in later life. A recently completed study of four hundred people aged over fifty-five has gathered data about experiences of sight loss, coping strategies, support needs, home environments, social contacts and information needs. This paper reports on a prominent concern arising from research—the connection between unmet social-care needs and social exclusion. Discussion focuses on identifying and assessing needs, major problems and priorities raised by interviewees, and service initiatives that promote inclusive social care. Conclusions are reached that social workers and other allied professionals can best promote socially inclusive support through inter-agency co-operation, and practical suggestions are presented as to the possible shape and direction of collaborative work.
The prevalence of, and risk factors for, loneliness in later life: a survey of older people in Great Britain
- Authors:
- VICTOR Christina R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 25(3), May 2005, pp.357-375.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This article examines the prevalence of loneliness amongst older people in Great Britain. The risk factors for loneliness are examined using a conceptual model of vulnerability and protective factors derived from a model of depression. Loneliness was measured using a self-rating scale, and measures of socio-demographic status and health/social resources were included. Interviews were undertaken with 999 people aged 65 or more years living in their own homes, and the sample was broadly representative of the population in 2001. Among them the prevalence of ‘severe loneliness’ was seven per cent, indicating little change over five decades. Six independent vulnerability factors for loneliness were identified: marital status, increases in loneliness over the previous decade, increases in time alone over the previous decade; elevated mental morbidity; poor current health; and poorer health in old age than expected. Advanced age and possession of post-basic education were independently protective of loneliness. In conclusion, the authors identify three loneliness pathways in later life: continuation of a long-established attribute, late-onset loneliness, and decreasing loneliness.
Excluded older people: Social Exclusion Unit interim report
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Social Exclusion Unit
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 67p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The experience of older age should be a positive one. But whilst many older people enjoy the chance for more leisure, learning new things, or spending time with friends and family, others experience isolation and exclusion. The consultation highlighted three key ways in which respondents say provision needs to improve if older people are to enjoy a better quality of life: joined up services are key; intervening early is important, and investment in low level prevention can reduce costlier interventions later; and older people generally know what they need and want, and they should be involved in the design and – where practicable – the delivery of services. This report is split into three sections: a summary of the issues and challenges; social issues from crime to housing, from transport to employment; and the specific needs of carers, those from minority ethnic communities, and at the way in which support for excluded older people is funded.
The psychological well-being of the Chinese elderly living in old urban areas of Hong Kong: a social perspective
- Authors:
- LAM C. W., BOEY K. W.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 9(2), March 2005, pp.162-166.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and the short form of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), this study found that the Chinese elderly who live in old urban areas of Hong Kong are at risk of suffering from poor mental health because of their relatively deprived social conditions. It was also found that the respondent's scores in the GDS-15 correlated with their social conditions, including type of housing, availability of helpers, financial status and family support. However, Chinese elderly people often avoid seeking help because of the fear of being stigmatised. There is a need for more research in the future to study their needs and problems so that social work practitioners can be well informed and culturally competent to help this disadvantaged group.