Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 64(6), 2021, pp.676-691.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
COVID-19 has proliferated ageism. The impetus of this article is to show that immunosenescence is a risk factor to COVID-19 and not aging per se. Based on the idea that some older people are also healthier than younger ones, the emphasis of this article is on immunosenescence and not aging as a risk factor of COVID-19 complications. The paper utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to expound on the link between immunosenescence and COVID-19 risk factors. The article explores biological factors such as malnutrition, comorbidities, substance abuse, and sex. It also expands on psychosocial factors such as mental health disorders, homelessness, unemployment, lack of physical exercises, stigma, and discrimination. The article calls for gerontological social work to assume a developmental-clinical social work perspective to prevent the early onset and progression of immunosenescence. It calls for gerontological social work to prevent factors that promote unhealthy aging. The article promotes a preventative stance to practice and not just curative approaches. Treatment involves primary prevention which emphasizes on avoiding the onset of unhealthy aging. It is this approach that gerontological social work should aim also to address in building resilience in the face of pandemics.
(Edited publisher abstract)
COVID-19 has proliferated ageism. The impetus of this article is to show that immunosenescence is a risk factor to COVID-19 and not aging per se. Based on the idea that some older people are also healthier than younger ones, the emphasis of this article is on immunosenescence and not aging as a risk factor of COVID-19 complications. The paper utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to expound on the link between immunosenescence and COVID-19 risk factors. The article explores biological factors such as malnutrition, comorbidities, substance abuse, and sex. It also expands on psychosocial factors such as mental health disorders, homelessness, unemployment, lack of physical exercises, stigma, and discrimination. The article calls for gerontological social work to assume a developmental-clinical social work perspective to prevent the early onset and progression of immunosenescence. It calls for gerontological social work to prevent factors that promote unhealthy aging. The article promotes a preventative stance to practice and not just curative approaches. Treatment involves primary prevention which emphasizes on avoiding the onset of unhealthy aging. It is this approach that gerontological social work should aim also to address in building resilience in the face of pandemics.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
Covid-19, ageing, risk, older people, medical social work, psychosocial approach;
This book examines race and ethnicity in relation to social work theories and practices and acknowledges the complexities in these concepts. Part one looks at: emerging ethnicities as a theoretical framework; a theoretical framework for ethnic sensitivity for social work practice; multicultural organisational development; and inclusive thinking and acting. Part two is on: the social pedagogical model in the multicultural society; the experience of Zimbabwe in using social development as a model of social work practice; and social work education with migrants and refugees in France. Part three examines mainstream social work practice with diverse user groups, including black and minority ethnic older people, children and people with mental health problems. Part four focuses on reclaiming heritages through social work practice and contains chapters on: renewing first nations ways of helping; a Maori social work construct; and appropriateness of social work practice with communities of African origin.
This book examines race and ethnicity in relation to social work theories and practices and acknowledges the complexities in these concepts. Part one looks at: emerging ethnicities as a theoretical framework; a theoretical framework for ethnic sensitivity for social work practice; multicultural organisational development; and inclusive thinking and acting. Part two is on: the social pedagogical model in the multicultural society; the experience of Zimbabwe in using social development as a model of social work practice; and social work education with migrants and refugees in France. Part three examines mainstream social work practice with diverse user groups, including black and minority ethnic older people, children and people with mental health problems. Part four focuses on reclaiming heritages through social work practice and contains chapters on: renewing first nations ways of helping; a Maori social work construct; and appropriateness of social work practice with communities of African origin.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, multicultural approach, multicultural society, older people, refugees, social work methods, social work theories, black and minority ethnic people, children;
Contains examples of successful service provision for older people from 40 countries. The case studies are organised into the following sections: care at home; community support; empowerment; participation; fitness and well-being; income generation; environment; integrated services; mental health; training for elder care; organisation of services; and older women.
Contains examples of successful service provision for older people from 40 countries. The case studies are organised into the following sections: care at home; community support; empowerment; participation; fitness and well-being; income generation; environment; integrated services; mental health; training for elder care; organisation of services; and older women.
Subject terms:
integrated services, management, multidisciplinary services, older people, social work education, staff, staff management, training, user participation, women, community care, dementia, empowerment, environmental factors, health;
Location(s):
Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ghana, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, Germany, Kenya, Morocco, Netherlands, Mali, Malta, Norway, Pakistan, Mexico, Sweden, Thailand, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, United States, Venezuela, Zimbabwe